Bill > HB1208

This bill authorizes the County Commissioners of Calvert County to use revenue from certain "payment in lieu of taxes" (PILOT) agreements, which are arrangements where an entity makes payments to a local government in place of property taxes, to fund various support services organizations and programs related to emergency services. These designated support services organizations include volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, the Calvert Advanced Life Support Unit, and the Calvert County Rescue Dive Team, among others. The support services programs that can be funded include debt service for equipment and facilities, length of service award programs for volunteers, recruitment and retention initiatives, property tax incentives for volunteers, and other emergency service programs. To receive these funds, organizations must submit annual budgets and financial accounting, and be in good standing with state and county authorities, including maintaining their nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The funds received by volunteer fire companies and rescue squads must be used for purchasing, repairing, operating, and maintaining equipment and facilities, as well as for training new volunteers, and these organizations cannot restrict their response territories. This Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1208?ys=2026RS