[{"_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",6653000,"mediaKeyId","2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82","parentId",2486986,"title","House advances bill to let governor move catastrophe funds, expands aid and legal authority for federal workers","audioSeconds",296,"startMs",1638000,"endMs",1934000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82&start=1638&end=1934","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82/thumbnail_1638000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6653000/Maryland/House-advances-bill-to-let-governor-move-catastrophe-funds-expands-aid-and-legal-authority-for-federal-workers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653000-8992d9c1a6f1e644e2e05b9fd7ea7eb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1777222795&Signature=PoL6nXdMXydDvQeKBMNO-FDwx9HnvyuxqQEYmqNy7DHIXptu5YWXzusHuFfQpgylAw5kS0GQkGMZNWJYTZfWEGT7IobnUwRXElaEJafZ4AVQhrem~hMSpgOdoM4IPnN9M84VBA77dR1MUBIut7mV79v8ZmDf7EZS2J4yRIHvsy8SDtZJlmWCaCXAdK3NqhThN1u4fv6~FM2Cauh7pURQRw40h5t5OhuHW2xBXVvphU9GB1w8uMKxraw8ZApz5fNdxjnBz9XM6xS9Yx0ib69p6kMawQVkGYD6w0t~sYihZPX5nvQeml6JRTAb4BrSN8fvGt-mt1pZhlqMob0AM4tIzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - House","date","2025-03-04T17:48:50.22Z","article","House Bill 14-24, which would expand the purposes of Maryland's catastrophic event account and the federal government employee assistance loan fund to help residents affected by federal closures, mass layoffs or similar events, advanced in the House on March 4 after committee amendments were adopted.

The measure, as amended, authorizes the governor to transfer $5,000,000 to a federal employee assistance fund and $1,500,000 to the attorney general to assist state residents who are federal employees and are not being paid because of a federal shutdown or who are separated from federal employment on or after Jan. 1, 2025. The amendment also expanded the attorney general's authority related to protecting affected residents, and the sponsors moved to make the bill an emergency measure \"given what's happening right now in D.C.,\" language the House adopted.

Why it matters: Delegates said the change is meant to give Maryland more tools to help residents and local governments when federal workforce reductions ripple into state and local budgets. The sponsor told the chamber Maryland has roughly 146,000 federal workers who live in the state and said a wave of job losses would \"disproportionately affect our state budget\" and local services.

Debate and questions: The minority leader pressed for details about existing balances in the catastrophe and federal-employee funds. The majority whip replied that the catastrophic event account is typically funded as events occur and that prior allocations have often been used; the bill would allow the governor to move money from the rainy day fund into the assistance account.

A sustained back-and-forth focused on the role of the attorney general. The minority leader asked why the state's attorney general would act on behalf of individual federal employees instead of leaving those cases to private labor counsel. The sponsor replied the authority is intended to provide an additional, statewide legal avenue for workers, saying the bill is part of \"a multi-pronged strategy\" that includes bolstering unemployment insurance and other supports. The sponsor added that Maryland values public service and said the measure would \"stand up\" for federal workers and the communities that rely on them.

Action taken: The House adopted the committee amendments, the favorable report as amended, and then special-ordered the bill until an \"appropriate time\" the next day for further action.

What the bill does not do yet: The House did not adopt final passage; delegates voted to special-order HB 14-24 to allow additional time for amendment and consideration. Specific eligibility rules, program administration details and timelines will be resolved in final drafting and implementing regulations.

Next steps: HB 14-24 was special-ordered for consideration the next day; sponsors and the minority said they would continue discussions and circulate potential amendments.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Floor Session, 3/4/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 14-24, which would expand the purposes of Maryland's catastrophic event account and the federal employee assistance loan fund to help residents affected by federal closures or layoffs, advanced in the House on March 4 after adoption of committee amendments.","taxTitle","HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15055,"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},6652983,"House adopts dozens of committee reports, special-orders multiple bills and passes one bill on third reading",155,7266000,7421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82&start=7266&end=7421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82/thumbnail_7266000.jpg","/articles/6652983/Maryland/House-adopts-dozens-of-committee-reports-special-orders-multiple-bills-and-passes-one-bill-on-third-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652983-0429fcebf22ac68b7c2417bf1a348096/orig.mp4?Expires=1777222795&Signature=anbqBEeGH0j19pVAZzOjUtYpmu8flrq7zQES0Lw0nmMr5c-tFnUfWWTOA92ZDBiz08LL0rWLwb1cO~majxSji~T~OmuDdiKbD2KWJNyOVXjnDX~0ythQjlnVOyV9AvPiPHMNUYT2Og6WtgXEmOLAt-rzpPzAD8bdbSCpWTFpEz6yS5nn~5UJqIb6XsCBpW6HUqFS0k-CfK0y-d4izapSU37NNVAyrLaDnHMd9JB8ZkV4~2i5VfHOfFd1zY3GSoofj~3owbqMmATeNhPoocGU7Sk-xc8AuVvwl6LEZDfigo12w5GIH3kTk-7z49gt0uxBaLw-JLAIFroiJZfveukdoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Maryland House of Delegates on March 4 considered a long calendar of committee reports and routine floor actions, adopting many committee-favorable reports, approving amendments in committee reports and ordering numerous bills printed for third reading. Several bills were special-ordered for further consideration the following legislative day, and one measure passed on third reading.

Key floor actions:

- Final passage: House Bill 249 (residential real property: local limits on summoning law enforcement or emergency services) received the required constitutional majority and was declared passed on third reading after a roll-call; the clerk recorded 95 votes in the affirmative in the transcript.

- Committee reports adopted: The House adopted favorable reports (often with amendments) from Appropriations, Economic Matters, Environment & Transportation, Health & Government Operations, Judiciary and other committees for dozens of bills, including measures on higher education scholarships, juvenile criminal statutes, public-safety and administrative matters. Where committee amendments were offered, the amendments were adopted by voice vote and the bills were ordered printed for third reading.

- Special orders: Multiple bills were special-ordered to an \"appropriate time\" on the next legislative day to permit additional amendments or discussion. Notable among those special-ordered were HB 18 (mortgage assumption disclosures), HB 504 (Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, as amended), HB 591 (statute of limitations for local consumer protection enforcement), HB 504, HB 86 (planning principles), HB 3-39 (air conditioning in apartments), HB 13-80 (perinatal care standards) and others. Committee chairs and sponsors accepted requests for special orders to continue negotiations and technical revisions.

- Routine and technical committee amendments: For many bills, the floor record shows the adoption of technical or clarifying amendments (labeled in the transcript as amendment number 1, 2, etc.); these were adopted almost universally by voice votes and resulted in the bills being ordered printed for third reading.

Why it matters: The day's floor action moved many bills closer to final passage while allowing sponsors additional time to refine language on measures where members requested more detail. The passage of HB 249 marks one bill completed on the third-reading calendar; others proceeded through the legislative process.

What the transcript does not show: The floor record for many committee reports reflects voice votes and adopted amendments; transcript text does not always include roll-call tallies for each adoption. For bills special-ordered, final vote tallies and any sponsor-supplied amendment texts were not included in the March 4 floor transcript.

Next steps: Many bills adopted on the floor are scheduled for third reading in subsequent days, and the special-ordered measures will return for additional debate or amendment at the time designated by the chamber.","On March 4 the Maryland House of Delegates adopted numerous favorable committee reports and amendments across committees, special-ordered several measures for further action and recorded final passage of House Bill 249 on third reading; many bills were ordered printed for third reading following committee reports.",{"_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},6652988,"House panel clarifies reserve-funding options for condominiums, adds flexibility for hardship cases",83,3484000,3567000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82&start=3484&end=3567","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82/thumbnail_3484000.jpg","/articles/6652988/Maryland/House-panel-clarifies-reserve-funding-options-for-condominiums-adds-flexibility-for-hardship-cases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652988-a5645e46ae95097162b0262af441f834/orig.mp4?Expires=1777222795&Signature=WjHXaCbd8NSp8zdCtv2lfBOGgNNMkbqW-eYcC5myLBzcg4fEc-Nu42fr5H7LNkVvRRrNbI6ZfTk~J-7GScAt2XThGvmFU0xM45yYWrgAhnK2RX8u36SpcwMH6CtHN2~5QCiYJfTYNruNBL3a3wcljUI3MHbvWDD4pOpOvZuzREUL1jlW6Czt8i4UPYcbfyDsJVS0GSWSPrTCvD6T1teT3h1j5j4an2s24EMnmMCYMpFO-hcD8wV2AbNJ0p-MMkMFLx0eOPRYimsI2fmTv8~WB3gXPOHwna~mGO9RqqQ3KrDodlophOnQq9hvkCAKihB7aH9gwIurBHlY-grVRPCtCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 292, which adjusts how cooperative housing corporations, condominiums and homeowners associations plan and fund reserve accounts for major repairs and replacements, was marked favorable with multiple committee amendments on March 4.

The floor sponsor said the bill's intent is to ensure boards, managers and reserve-study specialists can agree on the funding mechanism best suited to each community; earlier language that omitted a specified funding plan had been misinterpreted to require full-funding method in all cases. The amended bill lists four acceptable approaches'the component method, the cash-flow method, the baseline funding method and a threshold cash-flow method'and explicitly allows governing bodies to make documented financial-hardship determinations that permit reasonable deviation from a funding schedule subject to restrictions.

Other changes adopted on the floor include extending the initial reserve-study compliance window from three to five years and allowing boards to prioritize critical reserve items. Committee amendments were adopted by voice vote and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.

Why it matters: Condominiums and HOAs frequently confront large, unexpected capital costs. The floor sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce confusion and litigation by clarifying acceptable funding approaches and giving boards limited flexibility for hardship.

Next steps: The bill was ordered printed for third reading; delegates said they had met with stakeholders and engaged in revisions intended to address industry concerns.

","Delegates adopted committee amendments to House Bill 292 to expand acceptable reserve funding methods for condominiums and homeowners associations, extend the initial reserve-study timeframe from three to five years, and permit governing bodies to deviate from funding schedules for documented financial hardship.",{"_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},6652992,"House approves amendment to require HVAC in new multifamily construction; delegates ask for implementation clarity",216,3990000,4206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82&start=3990&end=4206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82/thumbnail_3990000.jpg","/articles/6652992/Maryland/House-approves-amendment-to-require-HVAC-in-new-multifamily-construction-delegates-ask-for-implementation-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652992-58c968d53727e094eda9e2a2b50f52ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1777222795&Signature=MLEbFII-s2Igr82eFNKB5xTg6J9lxugPW5Rp4zNZvigVorsCUDJwIAj0W77A0vFutcojmEaWKwQFyBh8FQUKvhX5Sin0GmVUBS7NblF-qY4q7JfD~Bd3i-eaEFTLxlUWB1HfWOwI~WjK7UjjkZKg5izZu5~4plnnetA2qprrd2oe5GmOu7zqy2shaDMZaag8DOGSG1IUEq4EYZ7rRcOXTpMyon4O0MGJF5gaVJtVsWgOOw-4FUjxgluuqW2xzRiZ061SPMR6EHtNArIgXyh4r67Yd6dFx8YMqfFiPTsmrfr01KpvYOiM9lJMwEIrYhD8yxkItgHgN0uGiMxlv9kn~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 3-39, which would require certain residential rental units in apartment buildings to provide air conditioning during summer months and set standards for when landlords must provide cooling, drew extended floor discussion on March 4.

As amended, the bill requires landlords of residential rental units in apartment buildings with four or more units to provide air conditioning from June 1 through Sept. 3 for units in buildings covered by the statute. The committee amendments narrowed coverage to apartment buildings with four or more units and removed a technical ASHRAE standards reference that had drawn industry concern; the amendments also made the requirement apply only to permits issued after the effective date.

Why it matters: Delegates questioned the effective date and whether the requirement would apply to permits already issued or only those issued after June 1. The floor leader clarified the amended language applies only to building permits issued after the effective date, a point several members asked to confirm. Delegates also asked whether substantial rehabilitation of a single unit in a multiple-unit building would trigger replacement requirements for all units; the sponsor said a single-unit rehab would likely not meet the bill's threshold for mandatory replacement across all units.

Action and next steps: The House adopted committee amendments. Concerned delegates requested additional time to consider potential amendments; the bill was special-ordered for the next legislative day to allow those conversations and any technical fixes.

What the bill does not yet resolve: The chamber did not resolve precise definitions for \"substantial renovation\" or the exact technical standards landlords must meet beyond the broad duty to provide cooling in covered buildings. Those topics remain for potential amendments and regulatory implementation.

","Delegates adopted committee amendments to a bill requiring air conditioning in apartment buildings with four or more units for permits issued after June 1; members raised concerns about timing, scope and how the measure applies to renovations, and the bill was special-ordered for further consideration.",{"_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},6652996,"House amends statewide planning principles; delegates seek clarification on rural impact",169,2655000,2824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82&start=2655&end=2824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2486986-85b0f31e5bf85b97c8d5c64799167f82/thumbnail_2655000.jpg","/articles/6652996/Maryland/House-amends-statewide-planning-principles-delegates-seek-clarification-on-rural-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652996-8506ca7347dbc7ea46399e2f3b3e9490/orig.mp4?Expires=1777222795&Signature=Wh1T9tAxe-~Jc0IOCrFZWGgOaOhuAF2SIio0a36xygdfghhdZsPoMfkUvAupH6s4g1FoSgJh9ra4zRru7rtt0UmbGpMx052WlBgQ9IJwyL7lKoM8SGod6pBjEofYnCbXJGfbTySO4w~EzI0C6w3Tym5lCqiu8sVedxqSIxbDjx9mk6kJM0ln~DzP6u2gXr0pkB9dOJyMwcLw5m1KHWN8w4Scpd4FixUFVIFaSq-Cw-t1qOWmHkJuzz7l71QWkUrovLX-lCxAnahgFvZzfaCQfg2JlfjUSsf13dDTxGDOulRfh7Jskd7zskXoet3AZUtIGTc0eM9--u2sGeWddkydQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 2-86, a departmental bill to modernize Maryland's State Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Policy (the set of planning principles the Maryland Department of Planning uses), drew extended questioning on March 4 over whether the changes would favor development in population centers at the expense of rural working landscapes.

The bill's committee amendments add intent language that residents should be active participants in planning, expand the definition of working landscapes to explicitly include farms and fisheries, and adjust ecology and land principles to emphasize conservation of forests and waterways. Sponsors said the changes merely update principles last reviewed many years ago and are intended as guidance for state planning work and for jurisdictions developing comprehensive plans.

Why it matters: Delegates from rural and Eastern Shore districts pressed the committee chair about how the principles would be interpreted and whether they could produce a new, top-down tiering similar to Plan Maryland's prior mapping that some rural delegates opposed. The chair repeatedly said the Department of Planning is a resource, not an implementer, and that the principles are intentionally broad to apply statewide.

Debate and outcomes: The delegate from Caroline County asked for a special order to allow time for amendments and more detail; the sponsor acknowledged the bill is \"double drafted\" so the principles apply both statewide and in local comprehensive plan guidance, and accepted the special order. The House then approved a motion to special-order HB 2-86 to an appropriate time the next day.

Next steps: Sponsors and committee members agreed to accept a special order and continue discussions about the language and any needed clarifications. The bill was not finally passed on March 4.

","Delegates adopted amendments to House Bill 2-86 to update state and local planning principles; members from rural districts pressed sponsors for assurances the changes won't undermine working landscapes or shift funding away from rural needs. The bill was special-ordered for further consideration tomorrow.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House advances bill to let governor move catastrophe funds, expands aid and legal authority for federal workers

House adopts dozens of committee reports, special-orders multiple bills and passes one bill on third reading

House panel clarifies reserve-funding options for condominiums, adds flexibility for hardship cases

House approves amendment to require HVAC in new multifamily construction; delegates ask for implementation clarity

House amends statewide planning principles; delegates seek clarification on rural impact