Maryland House adopts conference budget, BRFA after heated debate over taxes and fees

The Maryland House of Delegates adopted the conference committee reports for the fiscal 2026 operating budget and the budget reconciliation and financing act on March 22, finishing a marathon floor session that included extended debate over new taxes and fees introduced to balance the state books.

The conference committee chair presented the reconciled budget, saying the package "provides a structurally balanced budget" and restores funding for education, Medicaid and transportation while leaving cash reserves in the rainy day fund. The chair said the plan closes a gap left when federal uncertainty and a prior write-down widened a deficit to roughly $3.5 billion and that the compromise leaves nearly $2.0 billion in rainy day reserves.

Supporters said the package protects priorities including school funding formulas, transportation projects and health programs. "Together . . . we present a budget that protects our shared values and priorities while putting Maryland on strong footing," the conference committee chair said on the…