Committee holds indefinitely county tax‑credit bill for employers offering parental engagement leave

The General Assembly Committee voted to hold indefinitely PG 40925, a bill that would create a Prince George’s County income tax credit for employers that offer parental engagement leave for parents and legal guardians who volunteer at their children’s schools.

Ron Young of Evans and Associates briefed the committee, explaining the bill — introduced by Delegate Jeff Long and cross‑filed with state senator Joanne Benson last year — would provide up to $800 in state income tax credit for qualifying employers and require a certification form developed with the comptroller and the State Department of Education. Young said the bill carries an uncertain fiscal impact and cited a DLS estimate that about 2% of employers might participate, producing a $620,000 state fiscal impact in that scenario; if participation were widespread the fiscal exposure to the state could reach $31 million.

Council member Sydney Harrison described the bill as having “great intention” but “wrong timing,” and moved to hold indefinitely. Vice Chair Fisher seconded the amended motion to hold indefinitely. Committee members voted unanimously to hold the bill.

Committee members and staff noted the bill would create administrative costs for the local board of education and could reduce highway user revenue to counties if the credit is claimed against corporate income tax. The acting county executive’s representative reported the administration had no position on PG 40925. The committee did not advance the bill and asked staff to monitor fiscal analysis and potential administration costs before any further action.