Delegate Roberson seeks expansion of Prince George's urban agriculture tax credit in HB359

Delegate Kent Roberson presented House Bill 359 on Feb. 3, saying the bill would expand the scope of Prince George's County's urban agriculture property tax credit to include an array of small-scale producers such as beekeepers and composting operations. "If you see listed in the bill, it includes beekeepers..." Roberson said, adding that urban agriculture in his description covers plots roughly "1/8 to 5 acres" and that the expansion is intended to widen eligibility as urban production grows.

Roberson highlighted fiscal-note figures from jurisdictions with similar programs to argue the fiscal exposure has been limited to date: he cited low take-up in Baltimore City and Montgomery County (noting only seven property owners in Montgomery County received credits recently and that Prince George's County had only $4,400 in credits issued in a prior year). He urged the committee to "really look at the fiscal note."

During questions, Delegate Bob Long sought a practical clarification about the one-eighth-acre minimum and whether a typical house lot could qualify; Roberson confirmed that backyard operations could be eligible under the bill's language. A speaker identifying affiliation with Montgomery County asked whether there is a growing number of beekeepers; Roberson and others described a growing population and emphasized pollinator declines as a supporting rationale.

The hearing closed after brief questioning and without votes. Reporters should verify the acreage thresholds and fiscal numbers with fiscal staff and county program administrators before publishing details beyond sponsor statements.