Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 337

Bill Title: Tax - Property - Property Value Assessments - Disclosure of Improvements

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Pena-Melnyk, et al.

Subject: Budget & Taxation

Committee: W&M

Bill Summary: This bill would require, prior to the sale of any real property, that the seller and buyer sign a form disclosing any substantial improvements not reflected on the property assessment worksheet of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The form would have to be filed with the Department and could cause the property to be reassessed outside of the 3-year assessment cycle.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: It is unreasonable to expect property owners to know what property is currently reflected on their assessment worksheet, or to require them to obtain, examine and attempt to understand the worksheets prior to selling real property. It is the job of SDAT to ensure that their assessments reflect current property attributes, which is why the Department receives copies of all building permits and is required to physically inspect every property once every 3 years.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.