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MarylandHB 11642026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Water Companies, Sewage Disposal Companies, and Water and Sewage Disposal Companies - Limited-Income Mechanisms

Sponsored By: Linda Foley (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Service CommissionReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)SewageStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Utility bill help for low-income households

Beginning July 1, 2027, utility companies must adopt bill-help plans approved by the Public Service Commission. Municipal electric utilities may choose to offer plans; the Commission may require water and sewer companies to offer them. Residential customers generally qualify with income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. The limit is 200% for customers age 67 or older, and the Commission may approve broader eligibility. Plans can use credits, special rates, or other approved help, but the law sets no dollar amount.

Bill-help customers face checks, retain options

Beginning July 1, 2027, some approved bill-help plans require a qualification check by the Office of Home Energy Programs. When required, the Office must certify that the customer qualifies before participation. Not every plan requires this check. Participants may also qualify for utility, state, or private assistance, including programs from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Each separate program's rules still apply, and the law sets no additional benefit amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 296 • No: 11

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 5 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 6 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 526

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (126-5)

    4/9/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {873920/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (127-6)

    3/23/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/21/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {983920/1 Adopted

    3/21/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/20/2026House

  15. Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/21/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/12/2026

    PDF

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