Bill > HB1224

This bill allows the governing body of a charter county, which is a county with its own local constitution or charter, to set a special property tax rate on certain vacant and abandoned properties that are cited as unfit for habitation or other authorized use. Importantly, this special rate can exceed any limits on property tax rates or revenues that are already established in the county's charter. Furthermore, charter counties are authorized to collect property tax revenue from this special rate that goes beyond their charter's limits and to deposit that excess revenue into the county's general fund. The bill also requires these counties to report annually on the special rate, the properties affected, the revenue generated, and how that revenue is used, including an assessment of whether properties are suitable for adaptive reuse.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1224?ys=2026RS