As a continuation to last week’s article, below are a few of the items from the report from the Maryland legislature session that passed this year, and next week’s article will continue reporting on the list:

• HB 897/SB 826 – Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit - Qualified Homeowner - Application and Certification Requirements – Effective June 1

Allows individuals whose gross income is limited to social security benefits, pensions, and annuities to apply for the Homeowners Property Tax Credit once every three years, as long as they certify their eligibility annually.

• SB 32 – Property Tax - Exemption for Dwellings of Disabled Veterans - Application – Effective June 1

Allows disabled veterans or surviving spouses to submit the rating decision noting the veteran’s disability and the effective date from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as proof of eligibility when applying for property tax credits.

• SB 61/HB 599 – Property Tax Credit - Public Safety Officer – Effective June 1 Allows counties and municipalities to define which individuals are considered “public safety officers” for the purpose of receiving the tax credit. Additionally, this legislation repeals the existing limit of the property tax credit.

• HB 144 – Real Estate Brokers - Inactive Licenses– Effective Oct. 1

This legislation closes a loophole which allowed inactive licensees to reinstate and renew a license for up to six years after expiration. This bill limits the length of time before expiration to three years, regardless of licensee status.

• HB 608/SB 535 – Human Relations - Housing Discrimination - Service Dogs – Effective Oct. 1

Tenants may retain their service dog in the rental unit after it has been retired from service. Tenants may not be charged a pet fee or additional rent but are liable for damages it has caused.

Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.