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MarylandSB 08202025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Municipalities - Enforcement of Ordinances and Resolutions

Sponsored By: Ron Watson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

MunicipalitiesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Fines -see also- Penalties and SentencesLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; Balt; Hager; OCPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death Penalty

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher fines for local law violations

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland municipalities can raise maximum fines from $1,000 to $5,000 for misdemeanors and each civil infraction. For ordinance or resolution violations declared misdemeanors, courts can impose up to six months in jail, a fine, or both. Civil infractions require a local law designating them and cannot cover violations that state law classifies as crimes. Civil infraction fines remain due to the municipality within 20 calendar days after the citation is served. Existing state rules still govern jail time for failure to pay fines and costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 139 • No: 45

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 104 • No: 36

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 570

    5/13/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (104-36)

    4/7/2025House

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2025House

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/3/2025House

  6. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/3/2025House

  7. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2025House

  8. Rereferred to Environment and Transportation

    3/24/2025House

  9. Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

    3/17/2025House

  10. Third Reading Passed (35-9)

    3/17/2025Senate

  11. Second Reading Passed

    3/14/2025Senate

  12. Favorable Adopted

    3/14/2025Senate

  13. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/14/2025Senate

  14. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2025Senate

  15. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/14/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/3/2025

    PDF

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