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Bill > SB586
MD SB586
MD SB586Corporations and Associations - Methodist Church Trust Requirement Repeal and Disaffiliation Requirements
summary
Introduced
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
In Committee
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
Crossed Over
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Repealing a requirement that the assets of any Methodist Church be held in trust for the United Methodist Church and be subject to the control of the Church; repealing a provision of law providing that the absence of a trust clause in any deed or conveyance executed before June 1, 1953, does not exclude certain local churches from certain provisions of law; providing that a local church that disaffiliates from the United Methodist Conference shall retain ownership of its real property, subject to certain reimbursement requirements; etc.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Maryland law regarding Methodist Churches' property ownership and disaffiliation by repealing previous statutes that automatically placed local Methodist church assets in trust for the United Methodist Church and subject to its control. The new law allows local Methodist churches to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Conference while retaining ownership of their property, with some important conditions. Specifically, a disaffiliating church must reimburse the conference for financial investments made in the church's real property acquisition, maintenance, or improvement. The conference is required to provide a full and transparent accounting of these investments, and the local church cannot be required to reimburse the conference for financial investments the local church itself has made. This legislation effectively gives local Methodist churches more autonomy in deciding their denominational affiliation while establishing a fair process for property and financial considerations during disaffiliation. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing ample time for churches and the conference to understand and prepare for the new requirements.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Economic Matters Hearing (13:00:00 3/25/2025 ) (on 03/25/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0586?ys=2025RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0586t.pdf |
| Favorable with Amendments 593128/1 | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/amds/bil_0006/sb0586_59312801.pdf |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/votes_comm/sb0586_jpr.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0586f.pdf |
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