HB 1178 - Municipalities - Annexation - Limitations (UNFAVORABLE) 

This bill prohibits a municipality from annexing land that is located in a different legislative district than a legislative district in which the municipality is located without first obtaining the consent of certain members of the General Assembly. It also prohibits a municipality from annexing land that is owned by the United States, the state, or a political subdivision of the state, without first obtaining the consent of the governmental entity that owns the land. 

Committee: House Government, Labor, and Elections 

MML Staff: Justin Fiore, [email protected] 

HB 778 - Land Use - Middle Housing Options – Requirements (UNFAVORABLE) 

This bill mandates that local jurisdictions must assess vacant, unused, or underutilized commercial and industrial land for potential conversion to housing, specifically in areas served by public water and sewer. It requires local laws to allow by-right development of "middle housing” types (duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses) on single-family zoned lots and subdivisions. The bill also prohibits local governments from applying unreasonable restrictions (excessive setbacks, parking, height, or dimensional requirements, etc.) that would effectively preclude middle housing. Comprehensive plans enacted or amended after January 1, 2027, must include assessments and recommendations for enabling housing on suitable commercial/industrial land. Historic properties are exempt. The act takes effect January 1, 2027. 

Committee: House Economic Matters Committee 

MML Staff: Angelica Bailey Thupari, [email protected] 

HB 894 - Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development - Alterations (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act) (FAVORABLE WITH AMENDMENTS) 

The Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, the third bill in Governor Moore’s 2026 housing package, automatically designates qualifying transit-oriented development (TOD) areas served by frequent rail service as enterprise zones, regardless of state limits on the number of enterprise zones. The bill restricts the authority of local jurisdictions to impose minimum parking requirements and mandates allowance for mixed-use development within specified distances of qualifying rail stations. It also delays the collection of certain development impact fees and excise taxes for eligible residential/mixed-use projects until after construction is complete and occupancy permits are issued.  

Committee: House Economic Matters Committee 

MML Staff: Angelica Bailey Thupari, [email protected]  

HB 1141 - Municipal Incorporation - County Commissioners or County Council - Required Approval of Referendum Request (FAVORABLE) 

House Bill 1141 makes several changes to the municipal incorporation process. It expands the population requirement to 600. It also requires the County to approve a petition for referendum if it receives signatures from at least 40% of the population. Finally, it compels the municipal organizing committee to compare the cost of proposed services with the income tax revenue the new jurisdiction would receive. 

Committee: House Government, Labor, and Elections 

MML Staff: Justin Fiore, [email protected] 

SB 686 - PFAS Chemicals – Product Phase Outs and Registration Requirements (FAVORABLE) 

Senate Bill 686 takes important steps toward addressing the use of intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, a change that will significantly impact municipalities responsible for local water safety, waste management, and environmental protection. Local governments support this proactive approach to PFAS regulation, but encourage amendments to ensure municipalities are notified by manufacturers about PFAS-containing products sold within their jurisdictions, receive dedicated resources from the Maryland PFAS Chemicals Protection and Remediation Fund to support local testing and remediation, and benefit from mandated comparative analyses that weigh local infrastructure and health savings against implementation costs. With these amendments, SB686 will better support municipal efforts to protect public health and the environment, and local governments urge a favorable report with amendment. 

Committee: Senate Education Energy, and Environment 

MML Staff: Tyler Brice, [email protected]rg 

SB 719 - Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation (FAVORABLE w/ AMENDMENT) 

We are generally supportive of the amendment to Senate Bill 719, particularly as it relates to environmental protections and community safeguards. However, as the bill currently stands, there is no definite funding source identified to help municipalities offset the new costs associated with compliance, monitoring, and potential implementation of mitigation measures for PFAS in wastewater systems. While the bill does permit local jurisdictions to set rates and fees on industrial users who discharge PFAS, this may not fully cover the fiscal impact on municipalities. We believe it is essential for a clear and dedicated funding mechanism or reimbursement program to be established to ensure that local governments are not unduly burdened. We urge our membership to advocate for this adjustment to guarantee that municipalities have the necessary resources to implement these important environmental protections effectively. 

Committee: Senate Education Energy, and Environment 

MML Staff: Tyler Brice, [email protected] 

How to submit testimony: 

If you want to testify on a bill, you must sign-up online.