The following article was submitted by District 7 state Sen. J.B. Jennings about all the new Maryland laws that went into effect on June 1.
With so many bills passing both chambers during the 2025 Legislative Session, a number of new laws will take effect on June 1,
Senate Bill 258 – Natural Resources – Fishing Licenses and Stamps – Alterations increases the fees for Trout Stamps and for people who are fishing over the age of 65.
I vehemently opposed to this bill.
Senate Bill 266 – Local Comprehensive Planning and State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy – Planning Principles
1. Introduction of Planning Principles
The law replaces the previous “visions” with a set of 12 planning principles aimed at fostering sustainable communities and environmental protection. These principles emphasize:
• Land: Optimize land productivity of working landscapes, including farms and forests.
• Public Participation: Encourage active community involvement in planning and implementation.
• Growth Areas: Concentrate growth in existing population and business centers or strategically selected new centers.
• Community Design: Promote compact, mixed-use, walkable designs near transit options.
• Infrastructure: Ensure growth areas have the necessary water resources and infrastructure.
• Transportation: Maintain a well-functioning, multimodal transportation system.
• Housing: Provide a range of housing options for all ages and incomes.
• Economic Development: Support businesses that promote employment opportunities within the state’s capacity.
• Environmental Protection: Carefully manage land and water resources to maintain healthy ecosystems.
• Resource Conservation: Conserve waterways, forests, agricultural areas, and scenic landscapes.
• Stewardship: Encourage collaboration among government, businesses, and residents for sustainable communities.
• Implementation: Integrate strategies, policies, and funding across various levels to achieve these principles.
2. Public Participation Requirement
To achieve these goals, the law mandates that residents actively participate in the planning and implementation of community initiatives, emphasizing their role as stewards in balancing and achieving community objectives.
Senate Bill 598 – Property Tax – Low–Income Housing Tax Credit – Valuation of Property
1. Mandatory Net Operating Income (NOI) Evaluation
County supervisors of assessments are now required to evaluate the actual or anticipated net operating income attributable to commercial real property. This income must be capitalized at the prevailing market rate for conventional multifamily properties in the same geographic area. Additionally, the capitalization rate must be upward adjusted between 1.5% and 2% to account for affordability restrictions and other encumbrances mandated by the LIHTC program.
2. Exclusion of Income Tax Credits from Income Valuation
The law explicitly prohibits the inclusion of income tax credits as income attributable to the real property when determining its value.
3. Notification Requirement for LIHTC Awards
Within 30 days of closing and the execution and delivery of the regulatory agreement governing a LIHTC for commercial real property, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) must notify the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) that the property has been awarded the tax credit.
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Senate Bill 432 – Criminal Records – Expungement and Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Expungement Reform Act of 2025)
1. Expanded Eligibility for Expungement
Broadens the scope of misdemeanor convictions eligible for expungement. Notably, offenses such as credit card theft, making false statements to police, and driving without a license are now included. This expansion allows individuals with these convictions to petition for expungement under certain conditions.
2. Adjustment of Waiting Periods
Previously, individuals had to wait a specified period after completing their sentence before filing for expungement. The new law modifies these waiting periods, permitting petitions to be filed a certain amount of time after the completion of the sentence, including any period of probation, parole, or mandatory supervision.
3. Restitution Requirement
Introduces a provision requiring courts to determine that individuals seeking expungement have either paid any restitution ordered by the court or do not have the ability to pay it. This ensures that individuals fulfill their financial obligations before their records can be expunged.
4. Protection for Pardoned Marijuana Convictions
In response to Governor Moore’s 2024 executive order pardoning over 175,000 misdemeanor marijuana-related convictions, this bill mandates that the Maryland Judiciary Case Search database no longer refers to the existence of records for possession of cannabis charges that resulted in a conviction later pardoned by the Governor.
5. Clarification on Parole Violations
Addresses a technical issue where parole violations previously counted against an individual’s eligibility for expungement. Under the new law, it ensures that a parole violation does not automatically disqualify someone from seeking expungement if they have otherwise fulfilled the terms of their sentence.
