Vacant Property Legislation in the General Assembly

Two bills now pending before the General Assembly will help Baltimore City address our vacant property crisis.

HB921/SB855 Property Tax - In Rem Foreclosure - (Delegate Smith/Senator McCray) This legislation expands In Rem foreclosure to allow for Baltimore City to foreclose on the liens below the value of the property for vacant and abandoned properties. This is critical legislation to help us acquire tax delinquent vacant properties so that we can turn them into productive use. Hearing in the House is 2/28 and Hearing in the Senate is 3/8. This bill will be amended and we support the bill with amendments.

3/20 Update: Both bills are moving as amended the way we like them. Please continue to have your Delegates and Senators support these bills!

HB231 - Baltimore City - Property Taxes - Authority to Set Special Rates -(Delegate Regina Boyce) This legislation allows for Baltimore City to set the tax rates for various types of properties. The first we will take on once this passes is to create a vacancy tax. Delegate Boyce is sponsoring this legislation, it was heard on 2.7.2023.

3/20 Update: The House watered down the bill to only allow Baltimore City to set differential property tax rates on vacant properties. That’s OK! We will create the vacancy tax and move forward. The bill has passed the House and moves to the Senate, where we hope it will be amended back to original form.

SB769/HB865 Baltimore City - Residential Real Property - Disclaimed Property and Exemptions from Pre-Payment (Baltimore City Delegation)- This legislation allows for heirs to have a property that they inherited be transferred to them without having all the liens paid off prior to transfer. Currently this is a big barrier to intergenerational wealth. The elder who passed could have outstanding water or tax bill, and it has to be paid off completely before an heir can take title. This bill changes that and allows for the property to be transferred and the heir then is able to sign up for programs to assist in payments. Hearings 2/28 in the Senate and 3/8 in the House.

3/20 Update: The Senate passed this bill unanimously and the bill in the House is still in Committee. The Senate bill has crossed over and will now be considered in the House of Delegates! Continue to encourage your Delegates and Senators to support this important vacancy prevention bill!