SB 941 requires the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation to create income-based installment payment programs for certain transportation-related debts. For toll violations handled by MDTA, a person with at least $250 in unpaid video tolls and civil penalties may apply for an income-based installment plan, and the bill also allows toll citations to notify recipients of that option. The bill further authorizes MDTA to refer unpaid balances to the Central Collection Unit if a participant fails to comply with the plan, and directs MDTA to adopt regulations governing eligibility, verification, applications, payment options, and enforcement.
The bill also extends similar relief to certain traffic fines under the Maryland Vehicle Law. It requires traffic citations to inform eligible defendants that, if they have at least $250 in outstanding fines and otherwise qualify for an installment plan, they may enter an income-based installment payment plan under the new law. For unpaid vehicle-law fines, the Department of Transportation must establish a comparable program and may refer delinquent amounts to the Central Collection Unit if payment-plan obligations are not met. The act takes effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 941 amends the Transportation Article to create two new income-based installment payment plan programs: one for MDTA toll-related debts and one for certain vehicle-law fines administered by the Department of Transportation. It also revises citation language and collection provisions so that eligible individuals are informed of the new payment option and so that unpaid balances can still be referred for collection if a payment plan is defaulted on. The bill affects toll violators, drivers with outstanding traffic fines, MDTA, the Department of Transportation, and the Central Collection Unit.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support. It was reported favorably with amendments from committee, adopted on the Senate floor with amendments, and passed third reading unanimously in the Senate by a 44-0 vote. The available record suggests a generally positive view of the measure as a payment-relief and collections-management tool.
Contention
No committee transcript is available, and the final vote was unanimous, so there is no recorded floor or committee opposition in the provided materials. The main policy choices reflected in the bill are the income-based eligibility threshold, set at $250 in outstanding tolls or fines, and the balance between offering flexible payment plans and preserving the state’s ability to refer delinquent accounts to collections if participants default. Those details are the most likely areas of concern, but no specific objections are documented here.