MarylandHB 11782026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Municipalities - Annexation - Limitations

Sponsored By: Andrea Fletcher Harrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

MunicipalitiesAdministrative AgenciesAnnexationBoundariesElectronic CommunicationEmergency BillsFederal GovernmentGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNoticesPostal Service

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Consent needed to annex public or nonprofit land

Effective immediately, a city cannot annex land owned by the U.S., Maryland, or any local government unless that owner agrees. A city also must get consent before annexing property owned by a tax-exempt nonprofit under Section 501. This protects public and nonprofit property from unwanted boundary changes.

Cross-district annexations need lawmaker consent

Effective immediately, a city cannot annex land in a different state legislative district unless it notifies the district’s state lawmakers and gets their consent. After the annexation resolution is introduced, the city must send written notice by email and by U.S. mail. Notice must go to lawmakers for both the district where the land is now and the district it would join.

Stricter rules on city boundary growth

Effective immediately, a city can only annex land that touches its current borders. The law bans annexations that create an unincorporated island fully surrounded by city land, including land added in the same action. A city also cannot annex land that is already inside another city.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Andrea Fletcher Harrison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Karen Toles
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 303 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/20/2026