Bill > SB1041

This bill allows county councils in charter counties to set higher property tax rates or collect more property tax revenues than normally permitted by their county charter, specifically for funding public safety budgets. Under the proposed legislation, a county council can use a simple majority vote to exceed existing tax rate limitations with the sole purpose of supporting public safety expenses. If a county chooses to increase property tax revenues beyond charter limitations, they must appropriate all excess property tax revenues to the public safety budget. The bill creates an exception to existing rules that previously restricted property tax increases, providing more financial flexibility for charter counties to fund their public safety operations. The changes will apply to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025, giving local governments a clear timeline for implementing these new tax provisions. This legislation represents a targeted approach to allowing charter counties greater discretion in managing their public safety funding through property tax adjustments.

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB1041?ys=2025RS