Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1182

Bill Title: Business Improvement Districts

Bill Sponsor(s): Del. Ivey, et al.

Subject: Budget & Taxation

Committee: ENV

Bill Summary: This bill would authorize a county or municipality to create a Business Improvement Discrict for the purpose of promoting the general welfare of residents, employers and others in the districts. Local governments would levy additional property taxes in the districts to fund services and debt service on bonds.

History:

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: While we appreciate the sponsor's efforts to encourage economic development through the establishment of Business Improvement Districts, this legislation has too many gaps and ambiguities to warrant enactment this session. Charter counties already have broad authority to create special taxing districts to exercise municipal functions. This bill has significant ambiguities in terms of the creation and purpose of the districts, who would be the members of the districts, how taxes would be imposed, which property owners would be subject to the tax, and how the district boards would be comprised. We suggest that the bill be deferred for further study.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

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