Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 726

Bill Title: Corporations and Associations - Address and Principal Office - Definitions

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Madaleno, et al.

Subject: Commercial Law

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill would have required that every business entity created under Maryland law or qualified to do business in Maryland, and their resident agents, notify the Department of Assessments and Taxation of an office address that specifies a physical location where the entity regularly conducts business and at which the entity, or an employee of the entity, is physically present.

History: The bill died without a vote in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: While this bill attempted to require additional information from businesses regarding their physical locations, it was poorly drafted and would have caused widespread confusion. The bill literally would have denied any business or their resident agent from using a Post Office box as a mailing address. Furthermore, some entities do not have a location from which they regularly conduct business or have any employees. The State Department of Assessments has had a longstanding policy that it does not accept a P.O. box as a designated principal office. The Chamber recommended that the bill should be given an unfavorable report to allow stakeholders the opportunity to develop more refined legislation addressing this issue.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

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