[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6324728,"mediaKeyId","2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e","parentId",2336406,"title","Delegate Kent Roberson seeks to expand urban agriculture property‑tax credit to include value‑added products, beekeeping and composting","audioSeconds",139,"startMs",5241000,"endMs",5380000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e&start=5241&end=5380","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e/thumbnail_5241000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324728/Maryland/Delegate-Kent-Roberson-seeks-to-expand-urban-agriculture-propertytax-credit-to-include-valueadded-products-beekeeping-and-composting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324728-fe3eadcda122819843e86fb06249f58d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541000&Signature=Abnu3qjdu11QZI6X27-TShjZC7Ty6jCBG7BbO19Tcr0biVsz6ZNAS2s4pnFMd5uAN5-LWC1f~Fkw3Ayo0LkECZq19SraS-d5VNrJwRVs0co7Io~wgpJ9E3Z-k5z7nt5hHj-s8RXX8Vxg4y~mkG9k1bZ8LUbpUke8GKKXYWg93g~CGjjqazbD5TkNfxyX~kHwQW7piah1SR6IvNKpKZLDXtUlm2Sj7gi1q52R7RmBuAnikjcWnpUoi2jfikrgNb2NjHHODHqJPC0aYuPQqKDwcPIg1svssDUrI0ptGVRUNUmdPYJZvjAgcQwMpUkr11~8UCUmsXuAP81oubeOsTGLEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MGA - W&M","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Delegate Kent Roberson presented House Bill 907 on Feb. 18 to expand the statutory language that allows counties to offer an urban agricultural property‑tax credit. He told the Ways and Means Committee the change clarifies and broadens eligible uses to include production of value‑added agricultural products, beekeeping, raising livestock, composting, and pollinator habitat creation and maintenance.

Nut graf: Supporters, including small and beginning urban farmers, county agricultural development representatives and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, said the current statutory definition and size limits exclude many real‑world urban farms and that the change would help small operations access tax relief designed to support production close to communities.

Northern Baltimore farmer Nick Healy described his 1‑acre Community Toss Farm and said intensive, regenerative production on small parcels can yield tens of thousands of pounds of food and support 26‑week subscription programs and farmers markets. Testimony from the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and Prince George’s County food equity organizations emphasized urban farms’ roles in food access, education and youth programs; the Prince George’s Food Equity Council’s acting director asked that recipients be required to sell or donate at least $1,000 of farm goods to ensure community benefit.

Maryland Department of Agriculture staff told the committee current statutory definitions (e.g., 1/8 up to 5 acres, priority funding area restrictions) exclude many urban farms from eligibility; MDA said expanding the definition would let jurisdictions implement county legislation consistent with local conditions. The Maryland Municipal League testified in opposition, arguing the bill alters an optional local credit and expands definition beyond crop production to include value‑added enterprises that MML said should be considered separately.

Ending: The sponsor asked for a favorable report; opponents urged caution about changing an optional county tool and suggested separate credits for different uses. No committee vote was recorded at the hearing.

Sources: Committee hearing transcript, Feb. 18, 2025 (presentation by Delegate Kent Roberson; testimony from urban farmers, SMADC, Prince George’s Food Equity Council and MDA).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","W&M Committee Session, 2/18/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Delegate Kent Roberson told the committee HB 907 would broaden eligibility for county discretionary urban‑farm property‑tax credits so more small and beginning urban farms can qualify; farmers, nonprofit groups and the Maryland Department of Agriculture supported the change.","taxTitle","Ways and Means Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15064,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324733,"Sponsor seeks partial restoration of excise tax on short‑term rental fleets in bid to raise transportation funds",535,11383000,11918000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e&start=11383&end=11918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e/thumbnail_11383000.jpg","/articles/6324733/Maryland/Sponsor-seeks-partial-restoration-of-excise-tax-on-shortterm-rental-fleets-in-bid-to-raise-transportation-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324733-dd90a6353f8f85752a4b8a7f56d90385/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541000&Signature=V16Qu1gmnQqthTRI~blGipe-D~TStHBUcAsywKm~vG6hWHTyGnkVye7ZjYLGWTE-WHZN~8aOa7verAh4A7wIaiZ~YxXxnHxaQf0Ubs9sHYpqTKgw6-a2y1Xlq-HZx4Q2ZPyhB6mxsSaTFSlcd15FtJ-9iJ3h2kVDDGEYVv9X6dtHwOrLxYFfG~RWuu67WrQTmfN8ANuSe9OboOb0VgeOghfxYenmkRSHGmMUfKi9CvTh-xXeXzqu9Wuzh41Nr55OLu1qF9Up3CDKsWL8pns6GEO6hu0jCBoz0wp4WZgWrgMZ0RD4Fnh3TrvYe8rw6AA8XkL6LLUHBu9xWHDbVhFmow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Stephanie Smith (sponsor) asked the Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 18 for a favorable report on House Bill 898, which would repeal the long‑standing vehicle excise tax exemption for short‑term rental fleets and impose a 3.5% excise tax on the fair market value of each short‑term rental vehicle purchase.

Nut graf: Smith said the exemption dates to the early 1990s and has not been revenue neutral for Maryland; the sponsor presented the change as a partial restoration that would add roughly $46–50 million a year to the Transportation Trust Fund while leaving the industry subject to the existing 11.5% rental‑transaction sales tax at the counter.

Smith described the existing arrangement as a “very bad deal” for Marylanders, saying rental fleets do not pay the same excise tax as ordinary vehicle purchasers and that foregone excise tax revenue has underfunded highways and local allocations to counties. “By foregoing excise taxes on rental car fleets, the state of Maryland loses north of $70,000,000 annually,” the sponsor said in her presentation.

Industry witnesses strongly opposed the bill. Rental operators and dealer associations told the committee the proposal would amount to double taxation because the industry currently remits the state’s 11.5% rental sales tax on transactions, and the proposed excise would require businesses to pay tax on vehicle inventory before any revenue is earned. Enterprise Mobility and independent operators said the bill would raise costs for consumers, cause competitive distortions with neighboring jurisdictions, and disproportionately harm smaller rental and truck rental companies that cannot re‑title fleets out of Maryland. Dealer witnesses also said an excise on loaner fleets would raise costs for dealerships that provide complimentary service loaners to customers.

Committee members asked technical questions about how the excise would affect small operators, loaner fleets at dealerships, and the potential for cross‑border shifts of activity. Industry witnesses showed calculations claiming rental inventories generate more tax revenue over time under the existing scheme because the customer‑facing rental tax is collected repeatedly as vehicles are rented during their service life; industry witnesses asked instead to keep the current business model or to change the counter tax rate rather than impose an excise on inventory.

Ending: The hearing record shows the industry asked for an unfavorable report and emphasized competitive and administrative concerns. The bill remained before the committee for further consideration with no recorded committee vote at the hearing.

Sources: Committee hearing transcript, Feb. 18, 2025 (presentation by Delegate Stephanie Smith; testimony from rental‑industry representatives including Enterprise Mobility, American Car Rental Association, Maryland Automobile Dealers Association).","Delegate Stephanie Smith told the committee House Bill 898 would repeal a longstanding exemption and impose a 3.5% excise tax on the fair market value of short‑term rental vehicles, a change she said would restore revenue to the Transportation Trust Fund; the rental industry strongly opposed the measure.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324737,"Bill would require clearer ballot‑question language, earlier public posting and plain‑language explanations",152,5929000,6081000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e&start=5929&end=6081","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e/thumbnail_5929000.jpg","/articles/6324737/Maryland/Bill-would-require-clearer-ballotquestion-language-earlier-public-posting-and-plainlanguage-explanations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324737-44dc496902d9b9c62d6bb301b6ec6f34/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541000&Signature=D3MOGchQeuVju0Lh0IKoxmWwHe7D1PBmxoRXeUn0A-hstVTMbvUfqMKgeBn3NLnwHaVOUoX2F9LpA7EA7osOhrRkuoZ7LLME-8gW~T-G8YddWO3y~jS0OPRUB1RYOabXZejYjoXE2oSl-AsLr-xinqLXCv~RLenVwMKCZEmRFaYtnAFcQmi8s~7DWKVQK4ElAbmRrsfhnddDGJOZmkSwexzyUAv58yGZjRq-sZRKSXUa9xooXlIJFFI8o50dczdfr1pUMY9Z7UEB5QhHCridrBdltH5tt1fPbhAIZH3U2-EuqGSpPX~u4QP6K4CSArMFhh5QJV7SPWEdMdwqiGgzwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Jessica Feldmark presented House Bill 816 to the Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 18, proposing statutory changes to simplify ballot‑question language and improve public access to full text of measures before elections.

Nut graf: Feldmark said the bill would require jurisdictions to provide a plain‑language summary of ballot questions and make the full text (statute, constitutional amendment or ordinance) available earlier so voters and stakeholders have an opportunity for public review and comment before election day.

Feldmark told the committee the measure combines concepts from bills heard in prior years and aims to reduce the number of voters who skip or misinterpret ballot questions, citing instances where voters said they left booths unsure of what they had voted on. Supporters at the hearing included Common Cause Maryland and the League of Women Voters of Maryland; they argued clearer language and accessible explanations would increase informed participation. Alan Lang testified in favor and described prior federal plain‑language efforts as beneficial.

No formal vote was recorded at the hearing; sponsors and supporters said they would work with stakeholders on implementation details.

Ending: Supporters urged a favorable report, saying the changes are a modest administrative step to make sure voters understand what they are being asked to approve or reject at the ballot box.

Sources: Committee hearing transcript, Feb. 18, 2025 (presentation by Delegate Jessica Feldmark; testimony by Common Cause Maryland and League of Women Voters).","Delegate Jessica Feldmark told the committee HB 816 would simplify ballot‑question wording, require earlier public posting and provide a short plain‑language summary tied to the full measure text to reduce voter confusion on ballot initiatives and referenda.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324743,"Bill would set Maryland thresholds for multilingual election materials, expand translation duties for local boards",172,1290000,1462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e&start=1290&end=1462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e/thumbnail_1290000.jpg","/articles/6324743/Maryland/Bill-would-set-Maryland-thresholds-for-multilingual-election-materials-expand-translation-duties-for-local-boards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324743-ee525b968898a73b6d860e9898a3592b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541000&Signature=nBpgDXezDgvOCvSroDhuIO0k2tm66qjXBTcpfT~qsxXG7UUuSArRhcrWkzmcr5bNGuAkczWytO-K2s6DKkETnPcGyZNCrm-tALHpCzVlZQM6-0fD5jOuEozdEKULHt-VjGqEJUen5ymEloGkysaPqZ4pc2R5EkW2BNR-fKYbHBprzTN3Dn0r80DAMHGgvehbH3AmXcD8G9uNQHim~WgV1byKYTmAlUwayirMy~WaH2hs9fEvDN9E0FsF9pJHhJifqaF7iClP0qYNRPa~F7x5fBLJV2kq7lajxPtZaAwg-ooNaS2QWzyWXviZMTdAYbO0K2ep-tHyESLxEWsz8bLt3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Mercure North presented House Bill 983 to the Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 18, proposing statutory language to expand and clarify Maryland’s language‑access obligations in elections.

Nut graf: The bill would set a Maryland‑specific threshold (2% or 100 voting‑age citizens, or 4,000 voting‑age citizens in a county) to require translation and would require local boards to provide translated voter registration and election materials, sample ballots, and notices; the State Board of Elections would publish designated languages and handle enforcement functions.

Mercure North said the bill reduces the coverage threshold from the federal standard (5% / 10,000) and would require local boards to ensure translated materials are available “at the same time as the English versions.” The bill also bars reliance solely on automated translation and expects election judges to make “reasonable efforts” to be fluent in required languages. It would require signage at early‑voting centers and precincts informing voters of available language assistance and interpreter services.

The sponsor noted the bill is silent on how costs would be allocated. Committee members and witnesses discussed technical options: Jared Demerinis, State Administrator of Elections, described prior pilots using tablets and live interpreters that counties have tested; he said the State Board would work with local boards and that some counties already finance multilingual materials. Delegate Mercure North said the bill includes an enforcement pathway: the Attorney General could subpoena and conduct fact‑finding to enforce the statute and aggrieved persons or organizations could sue to enforce rights under the bill.

Questions from the committee focused on standing in enforcement language, use of technology such as phone‑based translation, coverage of ballots (the sponsor clarified the bill requires translated sample ballots and notices but does not require translated official ballots), and whether municipalities are covered (the sponsor limited the bill to counties this year because of cost concerns). No formal vote was recorded at the hearing.

Ending: The sponsor asked for a favorable report and said he would work with stakeholders on standing language and cost concerns.

Sources: Committee hearing transcript, Feb. 18, 2025 (presentation by Delegate Mercure North; testimony by Jared Demerinis, State Administrator of Elections).","Delegate Mercure North told the committee HB 983 lowers the state language‑access threshold and requires local election boards to translate registration and voting materials and post language‑assistance signage; the bill also creates a state review and enforcement process.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324748,"Delegate Lily Qi urges exemption of municipal business personal property tax for manufacturers in HB 168",212,393000,605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e&start=393&end=605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336406-03356a64d8913913df7376e4efb4538e/thumbnail_393000.jpg","/articles/6324748/Maryland/Delegate-Lily-Qi-urges-exemption-of-municipal-business-personal-property-tax-for-manufacturers-in-HB-168","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324748-08f5050439f9a6b6653bd9f726f7c0a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541000&Signature=eFjHa1wfXHMWh51p6YUmwrP0Q158BttYLEEuNcpySCHxPdR0~u9FD4IHvo4Av9guPRam0wcDGm31k~0cOKR-jrAhbAfj1eiZBFXJUSDiFjoiVhjiSod3Hzp3d~NG-giZ3MPxfyPyKXJAD7fceu7y39hCAYJixnDDYx9TwcP~K0zorzsGNNOeLb4GJ9Bh6zYFtib8zLDKbRuxfJKxtYuBNfVXBpii18nxUTzIQYKZ0jlXKhxDjMnVeL5~5Iyn2EXR~B4N29ooDtaXf2uMyXPrPFt-RI6JRXa0WZ~8bJWxAQMoA2iMsccJMcMwPSU7WIaD~--tG88w6SbODGAzRqrujg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Lily Qi, Delegate (sponsor) told the House Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 18 that House Bill 168 would exempt business personal property (BPP) tax for manufacturing equipment and inventory for businesses located inside municipalities.

Nut graf: Qi said the measure aims to remove a municipal-level tax burden that she said is applied unevenly across Maryland towns, and to encourage small and medium manufacturers to expand or locate without uncertainty created by differing municipal BPP rates.

Qi told the committee the state does not levy BPP at the state level and most counties exempt it, but “at the municipal level, many, approximately 2 out of 3, still collect a business personal property tax.” She said rates vary across municipalities and that variability complicates decisions about expansion and relocation for capital‑intensive manufacturers. Qi added, “Manufacturing, as we all know, is a strategic industry in Maryland, accounting for 62% of our state's exports … and $27,000,000,000 of Maryland's GDP.”

Qi said an amendment provided to the committee clarifies that the bill’s small‑ and medium‑enterprise (SME) definition covers businesses with fewer than 50 employees. She also noted the bill is sponsor‑only this session but has attracted written support from business groups including chambers of commerce in Baltimore and Montgomery counties and from industry trade groups.

Committee members asked no questions following Qi’s presentation. The hearing transcript shows no formal motion or committee vote during the hearing; the bill remained before the committee for further consideration.

Ending: Qi characterized the proposal as a step toward “level[ing] the playing field for these small businesses” and said she was prepared to answer questions and work with stakeholders on the amendment language.

Sources: Committee hearing transcript, Feb. 18, 2025 (presentation by Delegate Lily Qi).","Delegate Lily Qi told the Ways and Means Committee HB 168 would exempt business personal property taxes on manufacturing equipment and inventory for businesses located in municipalities, aiming to create parity across Maryland and ease capital burdens for small manufacturers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Delegate Kent Roberson seeks to expand urban agriculture property‑tax credit to include value‑added products, beekeeping and composting

Sponsor seeks partial restoration of excise tax on short‑term rental fleets in bid to raise transportation funds

Bill would require clearer ballot‑question language, earlier public posting and plain‑language explanations

Bill would set Maryland thresholds for multilingual election materials, expand translation duties for local boards

Delegate Lily Qi urges exemption of municipal business personal property tax for manufacturers in HB 168