Public Safety - Maryland Law Enforcement Public Service Medal
Summary
HB1333 expands an existing Washington County property tax credit for disabled veterans. Under current law, the county may grant a credit on the county property tax for a dwelling house owned by a disabled veteran, with the credit amount tied to the veteran’s service-connected disability rating. The bill amends the definition of “disabled veteran” so that, for this county credit, eligibility includes certain members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Public Health Service, in addition to those discharged from the uniformed services as defined in federal law.
The bill also preserves and restates the rules for surviving spouses. A surviving spouse may continue receiving the credit after the veteran’s death if the home had already received the credit, the spouse owns and resides in the dwelling house, and the spouse has not remarried. The application process remains tied to documentation of discharge and a certification of disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the county retains authority to set procedures, duration, and other administrative details. The act takes effect June 1, 2025, and applies to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025.
Impact
The bill amends Section 9-323(g) of the Tax-Property Article of the Maryland Code, but only as it applies to Washington County’s local property tax credit program. Its main legal effect is to broaden the class of individuals who can qualify as a “disabled veteran” for purposes of the county credit by referencing the federal definition of “uniformed services” rather than only active military, naval, or air service. This could extend county property tax relief to some NOAA and Public Health Service members who meet the disability and discharge requirements. The bill does not create a statewide tax credit; it modifies local eligibility rules and leaves implementation to the Washington County governing body.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been viewed favorably in the legislative process. It received a favorable committee report, was adopted by the House, and passed third reading with overwhelming support, 135 yeas to 1 nay. The voting record suggests broad agreement with the measure’s purpose of expanding eligibility for an existing veterans-related tax benefit.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the expansion of eligibility beyond traditional military service to include certain NOAA and Public Health Service members. Supporters likely view this as a fairness and parity issue for uniformed service members with qualifying disabilities, while any opposition would likely focus on whether the county tax credit should be extended beyond conventional veterans categories. No committee transcript is available here, and the near-unanimous vote suggests that any disagreement was limited.