The 2025 Maryland General Assembly has brought forward several legislative changes impacting municipalities like College Park. Below are notable bills either signed by the Governor or awaiting signature that affect local governance, housing, public safety, and community services.

✅ Signed into Law

  • HB 279/SB 245: Municipalities must now submit annexation resolutions to the Department of Planning to ensure coordination on new municipal boundaries.

🕒 Awaiting Governor’s Signature

Governance & Local Authority

  • SB 820: Raises the cap for municipal fines from $1,000 to $5,000—enhancing local enforcement authority.

  • HB 322/SB 88: Empowers the State Board of Elections to assist with municipal elections and lease voting systems.

  • HB 1193: Requires quarterly reporting on housing development permits starting in 2027 for improved transparency.

  • HB 1443/SB 872: Enables veterans, service members, and spouses to receive hiring preference in local jobs.

  • HB 1080: Authorizes disaster service leave with pay for municipal employees responding to emergencies.

Housing & Property

  • HB 1466/SB 891: Requires municipalities to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by 2026 to expand housing options.

  • SB 204: Moves the deadline to set local property tax rates to June 20, aiding better fiscal planning.

  • HB 389/SB 516: Expands property tax credits for child care centers and exempts certain equipment from taxation.

  • HB 785: Protects the right to operate family child care homes in common ownership communities.

  • HB 1111: Authorizes property tax credits for solar systems on brownfields and retention ponds.

Transportation & Public Safety

  • HB 182: Increases penalties for speed camera violations and calls for a SHA workgroup on school zone safety.

  • HB 707 (Eric’s ID Law): Allows drivers to disclose nonapparent disabilities on licenses and mandates officer training.

Health, Equity, and Community Services

  • HB 814: Requires annual reports on the support and performance of Youth Service Bureaus.

  • HB 424/SB 357: Empowers the Rx Drug Affordability Board to cap prices on costly medications.

  • SB 828: Limits immigration enforcement at sensitive locations (e.g., schools, clinics, and libraries).

  • HB 859: Promotes health insurance outreach for child care professionals.

These legislative updates reflect statewide priorities in affordable housing, public safety, election administration, and community well-being. We’ll continue to monitor their implementation and keep our residents informed on how they’ll impact College Park.