Council introduces Habitat for Humanity tax abatement, elder fraud protections and speed camera authorization

The Montgomery County Council introduced three bills for future public hearings addressing housing, consumer protection and traffic enforcement.

Bill 15‑26, introduced by Councilmember Andrew Fritzson, would authorize a property tax abatement for Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland for new and rehabilitated homes during the construction period so the nonprofit does not carry property tax costs prior to sale. Fritzson said the measure targets homeownership opportunities for households at about 30–80% of area median income and aims to support affordable homeownership and generational wealth building.

Expedited Bill 16‑26, introduced by Councilmember Keith Stewart with multiple cosponsors, would amend county consumer protection law to define a “vulnerable adult,” prohibit deceptive trade practices that use deception, intimidation, or undue influence to obtain money, property or services from vulnerable adults (including individuals aged 68 and older), and authorize the Office of Consumer Protection to operate a voluntary mediation program in addition to investigative authority. Stewart credited the Office of Consumer Protection and state legislators for prior related work.

Bill 17‑26, introduced at the county executive’s request and sponsored by Council President Natalie Fanny Gonzales, would authorize use and placement of speed monitoring systems in school zones and on highway segments identified in the county’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, following 2025 state enabling legislation; council staff summarized technical amendments.

Each bill will have a future public hearing and return to the council for consideration.