The Montgomery County Council moved multiple bills forward in its final session.

Expedited Bill 31-25 (landlord-tenant relations) passed on final reading after a Planning, Housing and Parks Committee recommendation. The measure requires landlords to provide tenants and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs a copy of required eviction notices at least 14 days in advance, directs DHCA to maintain a resource website for people facing eviction, and requires landlords to include that resource link in notices. Committee members discussed notification logistics and coordination with the Sheriff’s office; the full council approved the bill unanimously on roll call.

The HERO Act (Expedited Bill 32-25) was advanced with unanimous committee support and a floor amendment. The bill increases death benefits for Group G firefighters killed in the line of duty, expedites benefit delivery and adds a pension option for spouses comparable to 20 years of service; sponsors said the law will prevent families from waiting months without income after a line-of-duty death. Councilmember Evan Glass cited Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins’ death and said Higgins’ widow went months without income after his death. A Lukey amendment adding MCPD (police) pension provisions passed, and the HERO Act was approved unanimously.

The Trust Act (Expedited Bill 35-25), described by the council president as legislation welcoming the immigrant community while affirming public safety, was introduced and set for a January 13 public hearing.