Committee votes to concur on H.481 — repeal of sunset on clean‑water property‑transfer surcharge and stormwater compliance measures

On 2025-04-01 the Senate Committee on Finance concurred with version 4.1 of H.481, a bill that (1) extends deadlines for compliance with the 3‑acre stormwater general permit in specified watersheds, (2) modifies financing programs and gives municipalities additional authorities to address parcel‑based stormwater compliance issues, and (3) repeals the scheduled sunsets on the clean‑water surcharge that is applied to the property transfer tax, leaving the surcharge at its current rate unless the legislature acts otherwise.

Michael Grady, the bill presenter, told the committee the 3‑acre general permit campaign followed a federal TMDL process and that some older subdivisions and parcels lack an accountable entity or feasible on‑site options, so affected property owners can face “very expensive”…