On February 17, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted a letter of information to the Ways and Means Committee on HB 644 – Property Tax – Exemption for Dwellings of Surviving Spouses of Disabled Veterans – Application. 

This bill expands Maryland’s property tax exemption for the surviving spouses of deceased veterans.

As property taxes are the primary funding source for county governments, any State-mandated expansion of exemptions has direct local fiscal consequences.

From MACo Testimony: 

The bill could also create implementation and verification challenges. DIC eligibility can rest on several different federal criteria, and DIC documentation may not always provide the specific information SDAT needs to confirm that an applicant meets Maryland’s exemption requirements. SDAT may need additional documentation standards or clearer guidance to ensure consistent determinations statewide and avoid disputes over eligibility.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog