Consumer Goods - Restrictions Based on Energy Source - Prohibition (Energy Equality Act of 2026)
HB0673 would limit the ability of condominium and homeowners association governing documents to block or unduly restrict the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment in common-use or limited common-use parking spaces. The bill applies to both condominiums and HOAs and bars covenants, declarations, bylaws, or rules from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting a governing body from installing or authorizing EV charging equipment.
The bill also requires any installation or authorization to follow the ordinary budget process of the association and directs the governing body to consider whether there is sufficient parking to meet community needs before proceeding. In addition, it authorizes a governing body to grant a license of up to three years, renewable at its discretion, on common elements needed for the equipment or for supplying electricity. The measure is stated to apply retroactively to existing recorded covenants and association rules and would take effect October 1, 2025.
If enacted, HB0673 would amend Maryland’s Real Property law by adding new sections governing EV charging access in condominium and HOA communities. It would override conflicting private restrictions in governing documents to the extent they unreasonably limit installation of charging equipment, while preserving association control through budget procedures, parking availability considerations, and limited-term licensing on common elements. The bill would affect condominium unit owners, HOA members, association boards, and developers or managers responsible for common-area parking and electrical infrastructure.
The available context suggests the bill is generally pro-EV and pro-access, reflecting support for expanding charging infrastructure in residential communities. The bill’s framing as an “Energy Equality” measure indicates a policy preference for reducing barriers to EV adoption. No committee vote or transcript is provided, so there is no recorded opposition or support in the supplied materials beyond the bill’s pro-access design.
The main points of contention are likely to be property-rights and association-governance concerns versus EV access goals. Associations may object to being compelled to allow charging equipment in common areas, especially where parking is limited, costs are uncertain, or electrical upgrades are needed. The bill addresses some of those concerns by requiring ordinary budget treatment, requiring consideration of parking sufficiency, and allowing only a renewable three-year license, but those same provisions may still be debated by condominium and HOA boards, owners, and advocates for EV infrastructure.