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Subcommittee adopts amendment to HB 343 requiring HUD counseling information for BVRI, reduces appropriation

Housing and Real Property Subcommittee, Economic Matters Committee · February 25, 2026

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Summary

The Housing and Real Property Subcommittee amended House Bill 343 so recipients of Strategic Demolition Fund or Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative funding must give prospective buyers information about HUD housing counseling; the appropriation was cut from $200,000 to $90,000 and the bill advanced out of subcommittee.

The Housing and Real Property Subcommittee on Monday adopted an amendment to House Bill 343 that requires recipients of Strategic Demolition Fund (SDF) or Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI) funding to provide prospective purchasers with information about HUD-approved housing counseling before executing a purchase contract.

Chuck Cook of the Department of Housing and Community Development told the committee the change narrows the bill’s reach to single-family homeownership tied to BVRI and avoids requiring grant recipients to act as HUD-certified counselors. “It’s actually not legal for them to do it because they need to be HUD certified, housing counselors,” Cook said, explaining the amendment makes the requirement informational rather than an obligation to provide counseling.

Staff said the amendment also reduced the appropriation in the bill’s fiscal note from $200,000 to $90,000 to address budget concerns. Ben, a committee staff member who presented the summary, confirmed the $90,000 figure and that the amendment addresses the fiscal note. A member observed the $90,000 is intended to fund counseling services rather than merely printed materials, while referral materials would be distributed by the funding recipients.

Rosenberg’s office said the sponsor had not yet reviewed the final amendment because he was at another committee hearing, but committee members proceeded. Members voted to adopt the amendment and then moved HB 343 as amended out of subcommittee by voice vote; a small number of members recorded opposition. The subcommittee also clarified the requirement applies statewide where SDF and BVRI funds are used.