In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 10 and adjourned on April 8. Maryland Realtors issues a recap of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry. This week’s summary is covering the “Fair Housing” related legislation that passed.
HB 17/SB 274 Comprehensive Plans - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (Effective Oct. 1) — Charter counties, Baltimore City, and code counties that exercise land use powers are required to affirmatively further fair housing through their housing and urban development programs.
HB 241/SB 308 Housing and Community Development - Just Community Designation (Effective Oct. 1) — The governor may designate an area as a Just Community if past and current trends in homeownership, property values, and property vacancy show a need for reinvestment in the area.
HB 285/SB 518 Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (Effective June 1) — The termination date of the Task Force is extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. The Task Force must submit its report by Oct. 31.
HB 598/SB 413 Discrimination - Military Status - Prohibition (Effective Oct. 1) — This bill prohibits discrimination in housing or employment based on an individual’s “military status,” which is defined as being a member of the uniformed services, a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a servicemember’s dependent.
HB 873/SB 704 Appraisal Gap From Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program (Effective July 1) — Financial assistance under the program is expanded to owner-occupant purchasers upon completion of certain affordable housing projects.
SB 666 Maryland Commission on Civil Rights - Monetary Relief (Effective Oct. 1) — The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) may seek “monetary relief” for discriminatory acts, which is paid directly to the complainant instead of the state general fund.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
