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MarylandHB 11102026 Regular SessionHouse

Judicial In Rem Tax Foreclosure - Notice Requirements

Sponsored By: Robbyn Lewis (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Taxes - PropertyAbandoned PropertyComplaintsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.ForeclosureMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNoticesProcess ServingProperty TaxReal Property

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Six-month wait and pay to stop foreclosure

Beginning June 1, 2026, the county cannot file an in rem foreclosure until taxes are at least six months late and your time to appeal a vacancy or unsafe/unfit notice has run. You can stop the case any time before the court enters judgment by paying all past‑due taxes, fees, and penalties in full. After judgment, that right ends.

Counties can foreclose on vacant, tax-delinquent homes

Beginning June 1, 2026, counties and cities can file an in rem tax‑foreclosure case in the property’s county circuit court for vacant or cited unsafe/unfit property with unpaid property taxes. The complaint must list the government, the property details and tax ID, the taxes owed, and all owners and other interested parties. It must attach any vacancy or unsafe/unfit notices, ask the court to wait 30 days before a hearing, and request a judgment that transfers ownership to the county or city. Service follows the Maryland Rules. The case must include all taxes on the property, may be updated to add later delinquencies, and after a foreclosure judgment tax liens end.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 740

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (33-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    3/18/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/17/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Ways and Means

    3/13/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026House

  12. First Reading Ways and Means

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/11/2026

    PDF

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