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MarylandHB 07162025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Housing and Community Development - Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program Eligibility - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Housing and Community DevelopmentAdministrative AgenciesFederal Aid -see also- CARES ActHousing and Community Development, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionLeases and RentLow-IncomePublic Benefits -see also- FoodStmps; Housing; MedAsstRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Standards and Best PracticesState Aid -see also- Public Benefits

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher rent share for voucher families

Beginning October 1, 2025, the maximum household share for rent and utilities rises from 30% to 40% of monthly adjusted gross income. Housing agencies apply this cap when a family first receives Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program help. A different federal Housing Choice Voucher rule takes precedence where applicable. This raises the allowed household payment, but does not require every family to pay 40%.

Less frequent inspections for voucher homes

Beginning October 1, 2025, housing agencies must inspect state-assisted homes on or before the first lease starts. Later inspections must follow the agency’s plan and occur at least every two years, rather than annually. Inspections must check applicable federal housing quality standards. Owners of buildings with 3–49 units must provide a certificate of occupancy within one year. Buildings with 50 or more units require an inspection certificate.

Housing agencies can rank priority families

Beginning October 1, 2025, housing agencies must prioritize state vouchers and housing payments for families with at least one listed member. These include children under 18, foster youth ages 18–23, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and elderly people. Agencies no longer have to give these groups equal priority. They can rank some listed groups ahead of others, changing which families get help first.

More ways to run rental vouchers

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland’s housing department qualifies as a public housing agency for the state voucher program. It can operate in areas with or without a local voucher administrator. Local agencies can use their own plans where an agency runs federal vouchers, subject to state program requirements. When needed to run the program, the department can tie up to 100% of authorized vouchers to specific housing units. This includes areas without a local federal voucher administrator; federal voucher guidelines apply unless state law provides otherwise.

State funding supports vouchers and staff

The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and requires $10 million in annual budget appropriations for fiscal years 2025–2027. From fiscal year 2028 onward, required funding must support at least the prior year’s number of vouchers. Annual staffing allocations cover both state and federal voucher programs, including allocations to local housing agencies and the state department. Each allocation equals the greater of the federal minimum overhead rate applied to modified total direct costs or 15% of the amount specified in the appropriation rules. The department must create a fund distribution formula that follows federal cost rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 237 • No: 85

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 38 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 33 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 103 • No: 34 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 234

    4/22/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (101-38)

    4/7/2025House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/7/2025House

  5. Third Readings Passed with Amendments (33-13)

    4/3/2025Senate

  6. Floor Amendment {903226/1 (Senator Kagan) Adopted

    4/3/2025Senate

  7. Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2025Senate

  8. Favorable Adopted

    4/2/2025Senate

  9. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/2/2025Senate

  10. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/18/2025Senate

  11. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/17/2025Senate

  12. Third Reading Passed (103-34)

    3/17/2025House

  13. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/14/2025House

  14. Favorable with Amendments {413322/1 Adopted

    3/14/2025House

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/14/2025House

  16. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/29/2025House

  17. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/27/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/14/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2025

    PDF

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