Ways and Means hears 10 sponsor presentations on local tax credits, agrivoltaics, gaming restitution and nonprofit tax status
Loading...
Summary
On March 31 the committee heard sponsor or staff presentations for 10 bills including local property tax credits for housing and rural legacy easements, agrivoltaics tax incentives, physician preceptor credits, casino‑winnings interception, and clarifying nonprofit tax status; most items were sponsor‑only with no committee votes.
The Ways and Means Committee heard sponsor or staff presentations on a set of mostly sponsor‑only measures March 31, covering local property tax credits, tax exemptions, and technical changes.
Senator Marybeth Caroza asked for support for SB 847, a Wicomico County local bill authorizing a property tax credit for real property redeveloped by Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services Inc., noting the house cross‑file passed unanimously and the senate had passed SB 847 unanimously in the originating chamber.
Senator Paul Quarterman presented SB 193, a sales‑and‑use tax exemption for construction materials and equipment in a targeted redevelopment area intended to spur the Mount Etna Technology Park; he said local partners have invested roughly $25,000,000 in land, infrastructure and connectivity to support development.
On SB 344, Patty Horton (for Senator King) said the bill aligns tax laws for agrivoltaics and extends agricultural assessment and personal property incentives through Dec. 31, 2030. Horton also presented SB 466, which adjusts the physician preceptor tax credit to allow out‑of‑state medical students and reduce required clinical rotation hours from 100 to 90.
Jennifer Bescott (Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency) presented SB 176 to add statutory language enabling central collections and video lottery operators to intercept some casino winnings to satisfy amounts due to the state, a change requested after an Office of Legislative Audits finding.
Dr. Carrie Young McWilliams presented SB 731 on behalf of Senator Mary Washington to clarify that the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council is tax‑exempt and able to apply for grants and operate independently. Isabelle Ward presented SB 833 for Senator Steve Hershey; RJ Hughes presented SB 851 for Anne Arundel County, saying 21 rural legacy easement properties would be eligible and the credit would reduce taxes by about $1,300 per year on average.
Tamika Winkler presented a mayoral by‑request bill (SB 756) on behalf of Senator McCray and noted the measure’s previous favorable votes in the House and Senate; she asked for a favorable report.
Most presentations drew no committee questions and the chair closed each hearing; the committee adjourned with no votes that day.
