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MarylandSB 01542025 Regular SessionSenate

Access to Counsel in Evictions - Task Force and Special Fund

Sponsored By: Shelly Hettleman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Real PropertyState Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsAppropriationsCommittees and CommissionsComptrollerEvictionGovernorHousing and Community Development, Department ofLegal AidReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Salaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSunset

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Possible pay for low-income tenant advisers

Beginning June 1, 2025, eligible tenant members of the Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force may receive reasonable pay. Their income must be at or below 50% of Maryland’s median income, adjusted for household size. The Secretary of Housing and Community Development decides whether to authorize pay, including stipends, and sets its amount and form. Payment is not guaranteed.

Renters’ eviction legal aid funding extended

Effective June 1, 2025, the law extends annual eviction legal aid funding through fiscal year 2028. For fiscal years 2024–2028, Maryland must transfer $14 million yearly into the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund. Transfers come from remaining net unclaimed-property funds after required distributions. The Governor must budget $14 million yearly from that fund to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation for those same years. Spending must follow the state budget; this funding does not itself guarantee any renter a lawyer or payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 134 • No: 51

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 40 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 11 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 457

    5/13/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (99-40)

    4/7/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    4/7/2025House

  6. Hearing 3/26 at 2:30 p.m. (Appropriations)

    3/26/2025House

  7. Hearing canceled (Appropriations)

    3/26/2025House

  8. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)

    3/19/2025House

  9. Referred Appropriations Judiciary

    3/18/2025House

  10. Third Reading Passed (35-11)

    3/17/2025Senate

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2025Senate

  12. Favorable with Amendments {553524/1 Adopted

    3/17/2025Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/17/2025Senate

  14. Hearing 1/15 at 10:30 a.m. (Budget and Taxation)

    1/8/2025Senate

  15. First Reading Budget and Taxation and Judicial Proceedings

    1/8/2025Senate

  16. Pre-filed

    10/30/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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