Bill > SB419

This bill increases the income tax subtraction modification for qualifying public safety volunteers in Maryland from $7,000 to $10,000, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. The bill defines a "public safety volunteer" as an active, uncompensated member of organizations like police agencies, fire and rescue services, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Maryland Defense Force, or Civil Air Patrol. To qualify, an individual must be an active volunteer who meets specific criteria, such as maintaining active status through a point system (requiring at least 50 points per year in at least two categories), having 25 years of active service, being a National Guard member on active duty, or supporting armed forces in a combat zone. The volunteer must also have been an active member of a public safety organization for at least 36 months in the previous 10 calendar years. To claim the tax subtraction, volunteers must obtain and attach a report from their public safety organization to their tax return, and organizations are required to maintain detailed records and submit reports to state authorities. The bill also includes penalties for knowingly making false statements in the application process, with a potential fine of $1,000.