Real estate and homeownership legislation for Prince George's County, Maryland state and Federal

2024 REAL ESTATE LEGISLATION

Below is a status report of issues followed by PGCAR and Maryland REALTORS® during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly (MGA) Session. Representatives of PGCAR frequently traveled to Annapolis and Largo to lobby legislators and testify on a number of issues. This year, we are happy to report that we ended the Annapolis Session with several "wins" for REALTORS®. Our efforts before the County Council are on-going, as their session runs through December.

2024 Prince George's County and Annapolis Delegation Issues

Dwayne Mingo, Director of Government Affairs - PGCAR

CB-002-2024   Housing Code of Prince George's County
STATUS: PASSED - Effective September 9, 2024
The bill would amend the Housing Code to add email, with written consent of a rental license applicant or a rental renewal license applicant as a method of service of a violation notice, civil citation, and administrative citation. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement to set forth guidelines for implementing email as a form of communication.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTED the bill and worked with the bill sponsor to add clarifying language to assist in making the distinction that email is not the only primary source of notification for communication.
CB-007-2024   The Revised Elderly Property Tax Credit
STATUS: THIRD READING
The bill amends the current elderly property tax credit to make its applicability exclusive, separate, and distinct from the Homestead and Maryland Homeowner's Property Tax Credits. The bill also simplifies and clarifies language surrounding eligibility for the tax credit and provisions for annual reporting.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTED the bill as it authorizes individuals to receive the credit if they are at least 65 years old and have lived in their home for a minimum of ten (10) years, and the home's assessed value is less than $500,000.
CB-008-2024   Temporary Rent Stabilization Act of 2023
STATUS: ENACTED (Emergency Bill) - Effective April 15, 2024
The bill extends the sunset provision established under CB-007-2023 from April 17, 2024, to October 17, 2024, prohibiting landlords from increasing monthly rent beyond an amount that exceeds three (3%) percent per year of the current rent amount for any tenant.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR OPPOSED the bill and remains in opposition to rent control and rent control measures on both residential and commercial properties. PGCAR testified that the policy could result in several unintended consequences such as reducing quantity and quality of available housing, increasing rent for tenants not under rent control, reducing landlord's incentive to maintain property, decreasing landlord's ability to meet expenses, and generating significant administrative costs to local government.
CB-019-2024   Employment Fairness Act for Returning Citizens
STATUS: PASSED - Effective September 16, 2024
The bill would prohibit employers in Prince George's County from inquiring into or considering certain past criminal records of prospective job applicants.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTED the bill which is designed to reduce crime by assisting returning citizens who are shut out of employment opportunities. The bill would prevent consideration of felonies whose sentence was completed at least 5 years ago and misdemeanors whose sentence was completed at least 3 years ago in hiring decisions, with certain exceptions.
CB-055-2024   Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024
STATUS: PASSED - Effective September 16, 2024
The bill would establish permanent protections for renters against excessive rent increases and generally stabilizing rent prices in Prince George's County, subject to certain conditions.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR OPPOSED the bill. PGCAR has advocated that a permanent rental stabilization measure is a bad public policy for the county and, essentially, would have negative impact on housing affordability in the county by driving away new housing construction and discouraging investment and maintenance in existing housing. The key to combating rising rent is collaborating with the market to expand housing supply rather than imposing price control mechanisms.
HB 1059   Prince George's County - Qualifying Municipal Corporation - Land Use (PG/MC 105-24)
STATUS: NOT PASSED
The bill would authorize a governing body of a qualifying municipal corporation by resolution to exercise the powers of the Prince George's County Planning Board, the zoning hearing examiner for Prince George's County, or the District Council for Prince George's County to make specified land use decisions.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR MONITORED the bill. The bill would have provided certain municipalities in the County with the ability to have its own zoning authority. Under the bill, qualifying municipalities in Prince George's County would be granted authority to make specific land use decisions similar to the powers held by the Prince George's County Planning Board, Zoning Hearing Examiner, or the District Council.
HB 1104   Prince George's County - Zoning and Land Use - Fairness in Zoning (PG/MC 106-24)
STATUS: NOT PASSED
The bill provides that, in Prince George's County, the planning board's authority over zoning and subdivision matters is not exclusive and may be subject to review by the district council under certain circumstances. The district council is authorized to adopt and amend zoning law procedures for specific zoning decisions. The bill prohibits the district from amending zoning laws or zoning classification of certain properties in a particular manner.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR OPPOSED the bill. While the intent of the bill was to promote fairness and aimed to improve zoning and land use practices, there were a number of concerns with the bill. More specifically, the involvement of both the Planning Board and the District Council could introduce complexity and bureaucracy. Additionally, potential disagreements between the Planning Board and the District Council could lead to delays or conflicts in the zoning decision-making process, hindering development.
HB 1106   Prince George's County - Zoning Amendment - Prohibition (PG/MC 115-24)
STATUS: NOT PASSED
The bill would prohibit the Prince George's County District Council from amending its zoning law to allow single-family attached dwelling uses on airport land zoned for residential-agricultural use in the County.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR OPPOSED the bill. The bill presented several concerns regarding development within the County and is counterproductive to local housing needs. There is a housing shortage in the DC metro area, not to mention a severe affordable housing shortage. Implementing zoning restrictions could limit the availability of housing options, exacerbating housing shortages or affordability in the County.
HB 1142   Montgomery County and Prince George's County - Enforcement of Local Vacant Property Laws
STATUS: NOT PASSED
The bill proposes to authorize Montgomery County and Prince George's County to enforce certain local laws by imposing certain civil and criminal fines related to vacant dwellings or buildings owned by business entities.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR OPPOSED the bill. While the intention of the bill was to address vacant properties, there were concerns about the potential impact on businesses and property owners in regards to fairness, economic impact, and potential abuse. A more nuanced and collaborative approach that balances enforcement with support for responsible property owners and businesses was recommended.
HB 1152   Prince George's County District Council - Community Benefits Agreements - Authorization (Community Empowerment Act) (PG/MC 107-24)
STATUS: NOT PASSED
The bill authorizes the Prince George's County district council to require that a developer negotiate and enter into a community benefits agreement if at least 25% of the residents, landowners, or businesses within a 2-mile radius of the development oppose the development. The bill also mandates that the district council enforce such agreements and ensures that the Prince George's County People's Zoning Counsel represents community members impacted by proposed developments in disputes over community benefits agreements.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR MONITORED the bill. Establishing mandatory community benefits agreements could inadvertently drive up housing costs by imposing additional financial burdens on developers and could deter developers from investing in the County, stifling economic growth and affordable housing initiatives.
SB 191   Prince George's County - Property Tax Credit - Public School Employees (PG 503-24)
STATUS: PASSED
The bill authorizes Prince George's County to provide a real property tax credit against the dwelling of an eligible employee of the Prince George's County Public School System (PGCPS) who purchases a home after relocating to the county. The bill also specifies that the Office of Integrity and Compliance (OIC) is an independent office within PGCPS and that the Integrity and Compliance Officer serves as an independent employee within PGCPS.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTED the bill as it would give Prince George's County the authority to provide real property tax credits to eligible employees of Prince George's County Public Schools, providing an additional incentive in recruiting talent to not only work but to stay and live in the county.
SB 354 / HB 372   Montgomery County and Prince George's County - Rent Court Workforce Solutions Pilot Program
STATUS: PASSED
The bill establishes the Rent Court Workforce Solutions Pilot Program in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. The programs are to provide individuals in failure to pay rent cases with workforce resources and information on workforce development, registered apprenticeships, and other employment opportunities.
PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTED the bill with an amendment that would initiate a referral at the time of filing instead of at court for failure to pay. This bill will assist with providing residents with the tools needed to be successful and will help create economic stability and break the cycle of residents returning to rent court.


2024 Maryland General Assembly Session
SUMMARY OF 2024 REAL ESTATE LEGISLATION



REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE, LICENSING AND CONTRACTS
HB 143 / SB 46   Condominiums - Sales Contracts - Asbestos Disclosure
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
A unit owner must provide a statement, no later than 15 days prior to closing, on their knowledge of the presence of asbestos in the unit and whether abatement has been performed during the occupancy of the owner.
HB 486 / SB 125   Residential Property Sales - Contract Disclosures - Superfund Sites
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amendments
Sellers of a property located within one mile of a National Priorities List (NPL) Superfund site shall include an addendum to the contract that includes information on NPL Superfund sites. Buyers may void the contract and refund money paid to the seller within 5 days.
HB 520 / SB 461   State Real Estate Commission - Complaints - Advertising Violations
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Complaints filed with the commission alleging an advertising violation may be made anonymously and not under oath, but must be accompanied by documentary or other evidence.
HB 709 / SB 462   Licensed Real Estate Brokers - Branch Offices
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This bill authorizes a licensed real estate broker to designate himself or herself as the manager of a branch office maintained by the licensed real estate broker.
HB 1308   Recordation of Instrument With False Information - Quiet Title
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support as Amended
This bill prohibits a person from recording a deed or other instrument knowingly containing false information, including information related to the ownership of the property.
HB 1408   Assignment of Contracts of Sale - Disclosure Requirements and Rescission
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
This bill would have required those engaging in assignment of real estate contracts to make disclosures to both the seller and the buyer. Both parties would have a right to rescind the contract if the disclosure was not provided.
HB 1419   Deed Fraud - Prohibition and Prevention Grant Fund
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support with Amendments
Fines for intentional fraudulent transfer of property would have increased from $1,000 to $7,500, and a grant fund to provide legal assistance to victims of deed fraud and local law enforcement would have been created.
SB 423   Real Property - Recordation - Procedures
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
Upon request, the treasurer, tax collector, or director of finance for a county will provide a certificate outlining any taxes, assessments, and charges due to the county against a property.
R® SB 542   Real Estate Brokers - Brokerage Agreements - Requirements
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This bill requires that written brokerage agreements state the amount of compensation offered in terms of a percentage, dollar amount, or both; whether compensation will be sought from another party; and the process when the amount of compensation offered and received differs.
R® SB 564   Real Estate Brokers - License Renewals and Continuing Education
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Real estate licensees will be required to submit continuing education classes 30 days prior to license expiration. Those submitted less than 30 days prior will be subject to additional fees. Continuing education provider submission times are restored to 14 days.


HOUSING
HB 3 / SB 356   Expedited Development Review Processes for Affordable Housing
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
Local governments would have been required to establish an expedited development review process for proposed affordable housing developments.
HB 7 / SB 203   Housing Innovation Pilot Program and Housing Innovation Fund
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This new program provides funding for the public housing authorities and county governments to increase the volume of housing production and incentivize innovative solutions to the problem of housing scarcity.
HB 131   Housing Development Permit Applications - Local Reporting Requirements
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Each local jurisdiction with at least 150,000 residents must compile annual reports relating to housing permit applications received and considered in that locality.
HB 534 / SB 90   Live Near Your School Program - Extension
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This program, which provides current students and recent graduates with financial assistance to buy homes near the school attended, is extended to September 30, 2030.
HB 538   Zoning Density and Permitting - Housing Expansion and Affordability Act
STATUS: PASSED - Effective January 1, 2025
POSITION: Support as Amended
Local jurisdictions will grant bonus densities and uses in specified zoning areas, which include those within 0.75 miles of rail transit, former state and U.S. military owed campuses, and lands owned by non-profits, in exchange for a certain percentage of those units being dedicated as affordable housing.
New manufactured homes and modular dwellings must be allowed in all single-family residential zones. The bill also prohibits a local jurisdiction from imposing unreasonable limitations or requirements on qualified projects or requiring review at more than a specified number of public hearings.
HB 599   Housing and Community Development Financing Act
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This bill establishes the Maryland Community Investment Corporation to apply for federal tax credits and make investments and financial assistance available to low-income communities.
HB 1203   Economic Development - Revolving Loan Program and Tax Increment Financing
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
A Revolving Loan Program is established to make loans for real estate and infrastructure projects in sustainable communities, priority funding areas, and for transit-oriented development.
SB 352   Apartment Building Height Allowances - Study and Alterations
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support with Amendments
Maryland Department of Labor would have been required to study and make recommendations on the maximum height restriction for an apartment building with a single-exit stairway.


FAIR HOUSING
HB 17 / SB 274   Comprehensive Plans - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amendments
Charter counties, Baltimore City, and code counties that exercise land use powers are required to affirmatively further fair housing through their housing and urban development programs.
HB 241 / SB 308   Housing and Community Development - Just Community Designation
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
The Governor may designate an area as a Just Community if past and current trends in homeownership, property values, and property vacancy show a need for reinvestment in the area.
HB 285 / SB 518   Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
The termination date of the Task Force is extended from June 30, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The Task Force must submit its report by October 31, 2024.
HB 598 / SB 413   Discrimination - Military Status - Prohibition
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Informational Testimony
This bill prohibits discrimination in housing or employment based on an individual's "military status," which is defined as being a member of the uniformed services, a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a servicemember's dependent.
HB 873 / SB 704   Appraisal Gap From Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
Financial assistance under the program is expanded to owner-occupant purchasers upon completion of certain affordable housing projects.
HB 1000   Real Property - Residential Contracts of Sale - Buyer Privacy Rights
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
This bill would have prohibited the name of an individual buyer from being included in a contract of sale until after the seller of the property had accepted the contract.
SB 666   Maryland Commission on Civil Rights - Monetary Relief
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) may seek "monetary relief" for discriminatory acts, which is paid directly to the complainant instead of the state general fund.
SB 57 / HB 392   Fair Housing Testing
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
If passed, this bill would conform Maryland to the federal standard of one-party consent for audio and video recording if the purpose of that recording is to enforce fair housing laws.


TAX RATES AND CREDITS
HB 2   Property Taxes - Special Rate for Vacant and Abandoned Property
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amends (as SB 779)
Local governments are authorized to set a special property tax rate for a lot or property cited on violation notice as vacant and unfit for habitation or other authorized use.
HB 16   Tax Sales - Homeowner Protection Program
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
SDAT will maintain a website for individuals to donate to the Homeowner Protection Plan. Local tax collectors will include with property tax bills an insert that encourages those donations.
HB 35 / SB 276   Submission of Building Permits - Estimated Construction Cost
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Oppose as Introduced
This bill requires county permit offices to include the estimated cost of construction when submitting a copy of a building permit to SDAT for property assessment.
HB 54   Property Tax - Transfer to Heir or Legatee - Payment Plans
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
Localities are allowed to offer installment payment programs for taxes in arrears on any residential property. The requirement that all property taxes, assessments, and other charges due on a property be paid before a transfer is exempted if a payment plan is established.
HB 63 / SB 6   Property Tax - Credit for Dwelling House of Disabled Veterans
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This allows local property tax credits for disabled veterans to include individuals who have a nonpermanent 100% service-connected disability from blindness or any other disabling cause that was not caused or incurred by misconduct.
HB 66   Property Tax - School Employees, Building Improvements, & Housing Programs
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Local governments may grant property tax credits for the primary dwelling of public school system employees; (2) for health and safety improvements to an apartment or condominium building; and buildings used for homeless individuals or families.
HB 154 / SB 286   Homeowners' and Homestead Property Tax Credits - Extension
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Retroactive homestead property tax credits will be granted for two years to a homeowner who is at least 70 years old if the homeowner applies for the credit by May 31, 2025, and for one year if applying after that date.
HB 287 / SB 342   Renters' Property Tax Relief Program - Assets Calculation
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
The cash value of any qualified retirement savings plan or individual retirement accounts is excluded from asset calculations for the Renters' Property Tax Relief credit.
HB 638   State Transfer Tax - Rates and Distribution of Revenue
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
This bill would have created a graduated statewide transfer tax ranging from 0.25% to 1.5% for both residential and non-residential properties. Residential properties over $500,000 would be assessed a higher rate than the current maximum.
HB 751   Sale of Residential Real Property - Offers to Purchase and Transfer Tax
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
This bill would have imposed a 30-day lockout period for accepting an offer to purchase from large real estate investment companies (institutional investors) and would have imposed a 15% transfer tax on property sales to such companies.
HB 765 / SB 321   Property Tax Credit for Hotel or Residential Development Projects
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Local governments may grant a credit against the property tax imposed on real property that is used for hotel improvements or residential development projects that include affordable housing.
HB 1007 / SB 766   Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2024
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
This bill would have lowered the estate tax exclusion from $5 million to $2 million, created additional income tax brackets for high earners, and subjected net capital gains and certain income from pass-through entities to additional taxes.
HB 1515   Sales and Use Tax - Rate Reduction and Services
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
While lowering the state sales tax from 6% to 5%, this bill would have expanded the application of the sales tax to all professional services.
HB 1516   Assessments - Notice of Change in Value or Classification - Time Period
STATUS: PASSED - Effective Upon Enactment
POSITION: No Position
This emergency legislation extends the deadline for SDAT to send reassessment notices to property owners for fiscal year 2025 to May 1, 2024.
SB 283   Homeowners' Property Tax Credit - Attestation of Gross Income
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This allows applicants to submit a statement signed under penalties of perjury as to their income, provided they were not required by law to submit a tax return and did not file a tax return.


COMMON OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES
HB 159 / SB 465   Common Ownership Communities - Electric Vehicle Recharging
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This bill prohibits condominiums and HOAs from enacting unreasonable prohibitions against the installation of electric vehicle recharging equipment by unit owners.
HB 280 / SB 446   Local Condominium and Homeowners Associations Repair Funds
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
Counties and municipalities may establish a local fund for the purpose of repairing or rehabilitating infrastructure within Common Ownership Communities.
HB 273   Real Property - Regulation of Common Ownership Community Managers
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
If passed, this bill would have created a state board within the Department of Labor to oversee the licensing of community managers.
HB 281 / SB 1157   Funding of Reserve Accounts and Preparation of Funding Plans
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
The timeframe for condominium and HOA communities to comply with existing reserve study requirements would have been extended from 3 years to 5 years, and additional flexibility to meet reserve requirements would have been granted.
HB 286   Task Force on Common Ownership Communities
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support with Amendments
This bill would have created a Task Force to study the education and training needs of common ownership community boards and new and prospective owners of homes and dwelling units in common ownership communities.
HB 309 / SB 15   Cooperative Housing Corporations - Dispute Settlement
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
The dispute process for Cooperatives is adjusted to extend the timeframe for members to correct violations from 10 to 15 days, grant members the right to request hearings, and written notice of violations and advance notice of hearing dates.
HB 783   Homeowners Associations - Restriction on Long-Term Rentals
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
A homeowners association could not have restricted or prohibited the leasing of a property within the development to an individual who is not the lot owner.
HB 793   Common Ownership Communities - Member Training
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
Board members and officers of an association would be required to complete a training course on their responsibilities within 90 days of assuming those roles and at least every 3 years thereafter.
HB 1035   Insufficient Condominium Reserve Account Grant Fund - Establishment
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support with Amendments
Low-income condominium owners would have access to a grant fund to pay increased assessments resulting from reserve account funding requirements.
HB 1187   Reserve Funding Assistance Program - Establishment
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support with Amendments
This program would provide funds to residents of common ownership communities to assist with the payment of increased assessments resulting from reserve studies.
HB 1227   Condominiums - Mandatory Insurance Coverage - Detached Units
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
This bill clarifies 2023's HB 98, which allows condominiums composed entirely of detached units to maintain insurance on the common elements only, like homeowners associations.
HB 1457   Common Ownership Communities - Ombudsman
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
This would have created an Ombudsman Unit in the Office of the Attorney General to respond to complaints and established a database of governing documents accessible to the public.
SB 665   Maryland Condominium Act - Amendments to the Declaration
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
The threshold of unit owners required to amend a condominium's declaration is reduced from 80% to 66 2/3% once the developer has sold all units.
R® SB 898 / HB 1039   Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Resale Contracts
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
If passed, this bill would have conformed timelines across the Condo and HOA acts, and would have limited resale packet and delivery fees to just those included in statute.


LAND-USE, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
HB 210   Maryland Building Standards - Fossil Fuel Use and Electric-Ready Standards
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
All new buildings would be required to meet all energy demands without the use of fossil fuels by January 1, 2025.
HB 449 / SB 148   Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program - Funding
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
At least 40% of the comprehensive flood management grant program will be used for projects located in or directly benefiting underserved or overburdened communities.
HB 889 / SB 695   Housing Units - Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
Both new residential buildings and existing housing units undergoing renovations would be required to include parking spaces and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
HB 992 / SB 835   Environment - Delegated Authorities - Well and Septic Program Permits
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Local health departments or county governments are required to submit a schedule of review times for well and septic program permits to the Department of the Environment for approval.
HB 1101 / SB 653   Standing - Environmental Protection Proceedings
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Oppose
A person with standing may bring or intervene in a civil action against a party who has made unauthorized discharges into non-tidal wetlands or ephemeral and intermittent streams.
HB 1165 / SB 969   Coastal Bays Restoration and Stream and Floodplain Restoration
STATUS: PASSED - Funding Effective July 1, 2025
POSITION: No Position
The Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership will accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their watersheds by funding projects shown to be cost-effective.
HB 1279 / SB 1023   Better Buildings Act of 2024
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
New buildings and significant improvements of buildings would meet all water and space heating demands without the use of fossil fuels, meet energy conservation requirements, and meet an electric- and solar-ready standard.
HB 1449   Board of Appeals Decisions or Zoning Actions - Judicial Review
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
This bill would have broadened the ability of individuals and organizations to challenge land use and zoning decisions in court.
HB 1511   Forest Conservation Act - Modifications
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
This bill delays effective dates and adjusts implementation procedures for the 2023 Forest Conservation Act, while allowing forest mitigation banking provisions to go into effect in 2024.
HB 1512   Bay Restoration Fund - Municipal Wastewater Facilities
STATUS: PASSED - Effective June 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Bay Restoration Funds may continue to be used to connect properties to existing municipal wastewater facilities.
SB 1170 / HB 940   Authorized Uses of Development Impact Fees
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
Development impact fees could be used for additional purposes, including the replacement, maintenance, or expansion of public works, improvements, or public facilities.


PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
HB 93 / SB 162   Termination of Residential Lease - Limitation of Liability for Rent
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
A tenant's liability may not exceed two months' rent if the tenant vacates the premises due to certain qualifying medical conditions certified in writing by a physician.
HB 139 / SB 171   Notice of Utility Bills in Residential Leases - Gas and Electric Services
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amendments
The current notice requirements for tenant water and sewer charges paid to the landlord are expanded to also include gas and electric utilities unless the tenant directly pays the utility provider.
HB 428 / SB 370   Rental Assistance for Community School Families Program and Fund
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amendments
This program will provide rental assistance to eligible student households within community schools that have designated concentrations of poverty and where residents are at risk of homelessness.
HB 477 / SB 644   Residential Leases - Local Good Cause Termination Provisions
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
Landlords would be required to renew a tenant's lease on a rental property unless certain conditions are met, or the tenant commits specified violations of the lease.
HB 498 / SB 147   Access to Counsel in Evictions Program - Mandated Reports
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
The program must annually report on the number and types of cases handled, the number of individuals served, the case outcomes, and the cost and location of each case.
HB 693   Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amendments
This bill establishes an exclusive negotiation period for tenants to develop an offer to purchase their rental property of 1 - 3 units when it is listed for sale. Tenants will have 30 days from the landlord notice to submit a contract offer, with subsequent 5-day periods for counter offers. Exceptions to this process occur if a landlord subsequently contracts with a third party for a price 10% less than the tenant's offer, or, if an unsolicited offer to purchase is received, the tenant is given the opportunity to match it.
In addition, this bill increases court surcharges for eviction proceedings, which are recoverable from the tenant's security deposit for judgements in favor of the landlord. Security deposits are limited to 1 month's rent, and publication on tenant's rights will be included with the lease. Evictions of tenants will be stayed during the duration of an extreme weather event.
HB 964 / SB 635   Residential Leases - Criminal History Review
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
This bill would have reduced the length of criminal history on a tenant screening report from 7 years to 3 years. A tenant could not be required to disclose criminal convictions and landlords must state a specific reason for denial of a lease application.
HB 970   Real Property - Residential Leases - Rent Increase Prohibition
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
A landlord could not increase a tenant's rent during a lease term if the landlord did not provide proper notification of an increase in rent.
HB 1114 / SB 992   Failure to Pay Rent, Breach of Lease, and Tenant Holding Over
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
Tenant would be given 10 days after the execution of a warrant of restitution to recover personal property from the landlord, who must make the tenant's personal property reasonably available and may not charge a fee for storage. Violations would be subject to actual damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief.
HB 1117   Landlord and Tenant - Failure to Repair Serious and Dangerous Defects
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Oppose
Landlords are deemed to warrant that a rental dwelling unit is fit for human habitation. A court may order certain relief in a civil action or actions relating to the breach of warranty of habitability, including actual damages, abatement of rent, and lease termination. Tenant complaints made in bad faith can result in payment of costs and fees to the landlord.
HB 1295   Residential Rental Apartments - Air-Conditioning Requirements
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose
Landlord would be required to provide air-conditioning to rental units beginning June 1, 2024, for newly constructed residential rental units and beginning October 1, 2024, for residential rental units that undergo renovations.
HB 1316   Holding Over - Expedited Hearing for Active-Duty Service Member
STATUS: DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Support
District Courts would be required to hold a hearing on a tenant holding over within 45 days if the landlord or the landlord's spouse is on active duty with the United States military and intends to occupy the property.
SB 19 / HB 181   Failure to Pay Rent Proceedings - Shielding of Court Records
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support with Amendments
Within 60 days after the final resolution of a failure to pay rent proceeding that did not result in a judgment of possession, the District County is required to shield from public inspection all related court records. The Judiciary will develop implementation procedures by August 1.


COMMERCIAL AND AFFILIATED INDUSTRIES
HB 36   Insurance - Protections After Loss or Damage to Property
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
A public adjuster, or anyone acting on their behalf, may not solicit or attempt to solicit a client between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and cancellation periods for adjustment contracts are extended from 3 to 10 days.
HB 265 / SB 336   Insurance - Producer Licensing Requirements - Education and Experience
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
This bill repeals specified education and experience requirements for most applicants to obtain an insurance producer license from the Maryland Insurance Administration.
HB 382 / SB 344   Criminal and Civil Trespass - Professional Land Surveyors
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Support
Professional land surveyors, and their agents and employees, who enter the property of another to practice land surveying are exempted from criminal trespass provisions.
HB 697 / SB 1169   Real Estate Brokers - Commercial Transactions - Buyer's Rights
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: Monitor
This bill extends the current right of a buyer to select a title company, settlement company, escrow agent or title attorney to commercial transactions.
HB 710 / SB 559   Household Goods Movers - Special Fund and Fees
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
This bill establishes the Household Goods Movers Registration Fund administered by the Maryland Department of Labor to cover the costs of regulating the industry.
HB 738 / SB 806   Licensed Home Improvement Contractors - Liability Insurance
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
Licensed home improvement contractors or applicants for a home improvement contractor license must maintain $500,000 of general liability insurance.
SB 280   Notarial Acts - Protest Form Requirement - Repeal
STATUS: PASSED - Effective July 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
This bill repeals an obsolete requirement that a notary who makes or notes a protest of a negotiable instrument must make or note the protest on a specified form issued by the Comptroller.
SB 298   State Board of Electricians - Licensing - Penalties
STATUS: PASSED - Effective October 1, 2024
POSITION: No Position
The State Board of Electricians may assess a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation of the licensing statute. The board must also submit a report on its practices and processes for the timely resolution of complaints filed against licensees by July 1.