The following article was submitted by District 6 Delegate Bob Long about his legislation designed to ease the burden of rising costs on homeowners
I have proposed a few bills to the Maryland General Assembly that would offer much-needed relief and fairness to Baltimore County residents facing escalating property taxes. Today, I’ll be going over two of them. These pieces of legislation are designed to ease the burden of rising costs on homeowners while also ensuring fair property tax assessments across the county.
The first bill, HB1330, which aims to prevent unnecessary increases in residential property assessments in Baltimore County, directly addresses a growing concern for many homeowners: the escalating cost of property taxes. As home values continue to rise, so do property tax assessments, often leaving residents with no choice but to sell their homes or face unaffordable tax bills. In fact, property values increased by nearly 25% in Baltimore County in 2024.
This bill freezes property assessments for certain taxable years unless specific conditions are met, such as zoning changes, significant improvements to the property, or errors in the assessment process. I do not want homeowners, especially our seniors, to have to decide between paying their property taxes or putting food on the table.
This temporary freeze on property assessments offers a vital period of relief for homeowners, protecting them from sudden and unpredictable tax hikes. With many residents struggling in the wake of inflation and stagnant wages, the bill provides an opportunity to stabilize the financial landscape for homeowners in the county.
In addition, the bill mandates an independent third-party study of the residential real property assessment practices of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. This study will ensure that assessment practices are fair, transparent, and follow best practices, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the tax system. The findings and recommendations will help improve the accuracy and equity of property tax assessments, ensuring that no homeowner is unfairly burdened.
The second bill, HB1285, aimed at providing a property tax credit supplement to the state’s existing Homeowners Property Tax Credit Program, offers significant potential benefits for many residents of Baltimore County. This initiative requires the county’s governing body to grant a property tax credit to supplement the state’s tax credit, based on homeowners’ income and net worth.
For many elderly homeowners and low-to-moderate income families, property taxes can become an overwhelming financial burden. By introducing a property tax credit supplement, the bill targets these populations, providing much-needed assistance and making homeownership more affordable.
Unfortunately, House Democrats have shot these bills down and they were rejected from the Baltimore County Delegation’s stamp of approval. It seems to me that the only thing the left is worried about in our state is raising more tax dollars for the State’s benefit.
They need to realize that folks are struggling, and the last thing they need is the government taking more of their money.
