Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 659

Bill Title: Somerset County - Property Tax - Homestead Tax Credit Percentage

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Stoltzfus

Subject: Budget & Tax

Committee: B&T

Bill Summary: This bill would have reduced the maximum cap on annual taxable assessment growth for owner-occupied residential properties in Somerset County from 10% to 3% annually, effective 7/1/10.

History: The bill was withdrawn by the sponsor.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber opposed this bill because it would have unfairly pushed more property tax burden towards real property owned by businesses. The homestead property tax credit already provides owner-occupied residential properties a billion dollar property tax break that causes higher taxes for business property. The General Assembly has repeatedly been advised by the Attorney General that this discriminatory tax treatment violates the state constitutional requirement of uniformity of taxation. Increasing the amount of tax discrimination on businesses is unacceptable.

Position Statement:

Chamber Staff: Ron Wineholt

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