Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Delegate seeks fix to close loophole protecting tenants who call emergency services
Summary
Delegate Julie Plokovich Carr told the House Judiciary Committee HB 249 would correct a drafting error in 2023 law so local governments cannot enforce nuisance ordinances that fine property owners or tenants for calling police, fire or medical services.
Delegate Julie Plokovich Carr, sponsor of House Bill 249, told the House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 22 that the measure would correct a drafting error in 2023 legislation and ensure residents may summon emergency services without fear of landlord or local-government retaliation.
The bill is needed, Plokovich Carr said, because a small number of Maryland localities fine property owners after repeated calls for emergency services and some ordinances are written so broadly they can punish crime victims. “That legislation said that local governments cannot penalize property owners or their tenants solely for the act of calling for police or emergency assistance,” Plokovich Carr said during the hearing.
HB 249, she said, would amend state law to…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
