On March 3, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 1224 – Property Taxes – Special Rate for Vacant and Abandoned Property – Charter County Tax Limitation PG 408-26. 

This bill provides charter counties with limited, targeted authority to address vacant and abandoned properties that undermine neighborhoods, reduce property values, and strain local services.

Vacant buildings often lead to repeated code enforcement activity, public safety concerns, and declining property values for nearby homeowners. HB 1224 authorizes charter counties to apply an existing special property tax rate to formally cited vacant properties, even where a charter tax cap might otherwise limit that rate. The bill strengthens local flexibility to address problem properties without expanding statewide general taxing authority.

From MACo Testimony:

Counties need practical options to encourage rehabilitation, promote adaptive reuse, and protect surrounding communities. HB 1224 strengthens local decision-making and provides charter counties with a focused tool to address vacant and unfit properties that undermine neighborhood stability.

HB 1224 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Budget and Taxation Committee, on March 31. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.

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