Panel narrows HB 153; removes HABC carve-out and advances air-conditioning requirement for renovated rental units
Loading...
Summary
After debate over costs for legacy public-housing electrical systems, the subcommittee adopted amendments clarifying air-conditioning requirements apply on new construction and to rental units undergoing substantial electrical or heating upgrades; the special exemption for certain Baltimore Housing Authority stock was removed and the bill advanced as amended.
House Bill 153 — which would require air-conditioning in newly constructed rental units and in rental units undergoing substantial electrical or heating upgrades — advanced out of the subcommittee after members debated and amended an exemption for certain Baltimore Housing Authority (HABC) properties.
HABC counsel Monica Watkins explained the authority’s oldest stock averages about 80 years, and retrofitting central air for legacy properties would require extensive electrical infrastructure upgrades. "For Cherry Hill alone, we're looking at upwards of $15,000,000," she said, describing long-term redevelopment plans that incorporate central air in new construction.
Some members argued the bill’s requirement should apply when substantial electrical upgrades are already occurring, potentially allowing window units or other solutions where appropriate. A motion to remove the HABC exception was offered, seconded and discussed; the committee also adopted an amendment clarifying that the bill does not preclude local governments from enacting more stringent requirements. The bill was moved as amended with recorded opposition from a small number of members (party-line concerns were noted).
Members and counsel agreed the air-conditioning requirement would apply prospectively to newly constructed units (effective 06/01/2026) and to renovated units where substantial electrical or heating system upgrades occur (effective 10/01/2026).
