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Supporters urge study of retrocession of District of Columbia to Maryland
Summary
HB 1413 would direct the Maryland Department of Planning to study potential retrocession of the District of Columbia into Maryland; witnesses cited historical precedent and potential fiscal benefits, while testimony focused on economic research and legal history.
Delegate Hornberger presented HB 1413 requesting a study by the Maryland Department of Planning on the retrocession of the District of Columbia to Maryland. He framed the bill as an economic study that could add population, high‑income taxpayers, and land area to Maryland.
"What if I told you we had a chance to increase our population by roughly 750,000 high income residents... and increase our land holdings by 60 square miles," Hornberger said, linking retrocession to potential fiscal and economic synergies.
Witnesses including David Krukhoff (founder and executive director of a nonprofit), John Forrester (Committee for the Capital City) and John Page (private individual) testified in support. They cited historical precedent (Arlington and Alexandria returned to Virginia), demographic and fiscal data asserting that inclusion of DC residents could raise per‑capita income and tax base for Maryland.
The committee did not take a final vote during the hearing; the measure was recorded for committee consideration with written testimony to supplement the oral record.
What happens next: The committee may request additional analysis from staff or direct the Department of Planning to carry out the study specified in the bill.
