Bill > SB472

This bill allows the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City or the governing body of a county to establish two new property tax subclasses for real estate located within one mile of a rail station: unimproved land and improvements to land. The bill defines "rail station" broadly to include various types of passenger rail stations, such as MARC stations, Baltimore Metro Subwaylink stations, Baltimore Light Raillink stations, and Metrorail system stations (including the Purple Line). Local governments can set a special property tax rate for these subclasses, with the restriction that the special rate cannot be 0%. The bill also modifies how tax revenue from these special rates will be distributed, with 5% going to the Transportation Trust Fund and 95% going to the county or municipal corporation. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed for tax penalties on properties near rail stations. The changes will take effect on June 1, 2025, and apply to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025, potentially providing local governments with a new tool to incentivize development near public transportation infrastructure.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0472?ys=2025RS