Subcommittee moves PG408 to allow special tax rates for vacant or abandoned property

The County Affairs Subcommittee voted to report PG408 favorably after a staff summary explained the bill would permit counties to set a special property tax rate for vacant or abandoned properties.

Ms. Michael, the committee staff member summarizing the measure, said existing law lets a county or Baltimore City set a special rate for a lot cited as vacant and unfit. She said PG408 "provides that in the exercise of this authority, a county may set a special rate that results in a higher property tax rate or the collection of more property tax revenues than authorized under a county's charter," and that the bill would apply statewide to any county with an applicable charter tax limitation.

Chair Delegate Julian Ivey moved to report the bill favorably. The motion was seconded, and after a roll call the chair announced the subcommittee had moved PG408 unanimously.

Supporters told the panel the change would give counties clearer authority to respond to vacant or blighted properties through tax policy. The bill text as summarized would apply the special rate when property has been cited on a housing or building violation notice as vacant or unfit for habitation or other authorized use.

The subcommittee did not record a formal fiscal discussion on PG408 during the hearing; committee staff and members thanked legislative staff for their work on the draft. The measure will proceed to the next legislative step after the subcommittee report.

The meeting record shows the item was introduced by Chair Julian Ivey and summarized by Ms. Michael; the subcommittee reported the bill favorably by unanimous voice/roll-call at the session's vote.