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County liaison warns of state budget tax increases, reports gains for county on solar siting and criminal records bill
Summary
Carroll County's legislative liaison told the Board of Commissioners on April 3 that the state budget included multiple tax and fee changes under conference negotiation, that counties won increased local authority on some solar siting provisions, and that a county-backed criminal history records bill passed both chambers.
Carroll County's legislative liaison updated commissioners on April 3 about late-session developments in Annapolis, telling the board the fiscal 2026 state budget was largely set and that counties should watch several revenue and policy items as the legislature moved to conference committees.
Taxes and budget: The liaison said both the House and Senate budget versions include a range of new or expanded taxes and fees that could affect Carroll County residents and businesses; items cited included a capital-gains tax, a 3% data and IT services tax, expanded cannabis taxes, sports wagering, and sales-tax changes. The liaison said differences remain in the conference committee — for example, vehicle excise and rental-vehicle fee differences — and stressed local leaders should track final conference outcomes.
Solar siting: On energy legislation, the liaison said recent amendments to the large-scale solar bill restored some county control. Counties can now reject solar projects larger than 5 megawatts in Tier 1 and 2 zones; agricultural priority preservation areas (PPAs) are capped at 5% of county PPA acreage for solar; and the Public Service Commission must consider local zoning when reviewing projects. The liaison noted remaining questions about decommissioning-bond rules and battery-storage regulation.
Education "Blueprint" and waivers: The liaison also reported on Maryland's Blueprint for Education debate. The Senate passed its version; a conference committee will reconcile House and Senate differences, including per-pupil funding and provisions covering "collaborative teacher time." The liaison said the county and school system are pursuing a waiver from the Maryland Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) and encouraged citizens to contact AIB on that request.
Criminal-history and bond bills: The liaison said Carroll Countys bill to expand criminal-history records checks passed both houses unanimously and was with the governor, and a local bond bill also passed both chambers and was headed to the governor.
Why it matters: Commissioners heard that the budget and major policy bills could have direct fiscal and operational impacts for the county. The liaison urged officials to remain engaged during the conference committee and offered to provide a comprehensive post-Sine Die report on all tracked bills.
Ending: Staff will return with a full legislative report after Sine Die. The liaison also flagged that local organizations (including regional groups opposing specific transmission projects) were mobilizing public comments for state regulators.
