The Maryland Tourism Coalition Legislative Committee is currently monitoring the following legislation being considered by the General Assembly. The committee convenes every Monday at 12:00 pm to discuss legislation, tourism positions, and courses of action. All MTC members are encouraged to join these calls and share their thoughts on the issues at hand. The call-in number is 712-770-5505 and the access code is 861-843. If you have questions or comments about any of the bills below, or if you think there is another issue or piece of legislation MTC should be monitoring, please email our Legislative Committee Chair, Kristin Hanna at kristin.hanna@flyingdog.com. 2021 Maryland Tourism Council Bill Tracking
HB1301Baltimore City – Visit Baltimore – Appropriation CalculationSmithCF: SB789 – Requires Baltimore City to allocate to Visit Baltimore in addition to 40% of hotel tax an appropriation as follow: if the on 3-year rolling average of hotel tax is greater than the 40% allocation, the amount of difference; or if amount is less than the 40%, the City may decrease the 40% by the amount of difference.APP: NHSSupport
| Bill Number | Title | Sponsor | Description | Legislative Status | Tourism Council Position |
| HB1176 | Income Tax – Credit for Travel, Hospitality, and Entertainment Expenses | Kipke | CF: SB730 – Allows a credit on state income tax for qualified expenses related to qualified travel. Qualified expense include lodging expenses, food, and beverage; qualified travel mean travel incurred between 12/31/20 and 12/31/23 within Maryland with a final destination at least 50 miles from the taxpayer’s principal place of residence. Credit equals the lesser of: 100% of qualified expenses; $4,000 individual or $8,000 if married filing jointly plus $500 x each dependent child. Cannot claim credit for expenses claimed on federal return. Credit can be carried over to future tax years. | Failed | SWT Letter & Testimony |
| SB0730 | Income Tax – Credit for Travel, Hospitality, and Entertainment Expenses | Waldstreicher | CF: HB1176 – Allows a credit on state income tax for qualified expenses related to qualified travel. Qualified expense include lodging expenses, food, and beverage; qualified travel mean travel incurred between 12/31/20 and 12/31/23 within Maryland with a final destination at least 50 miles from the taxpayer’s principal place of residence. Credit equals the lesser of: 100% of qualified expenses; $4,000 individual or $8,000 if married filing jointly plus $500 x each dependent child. Cannot claim credit for expenses claimed on federal return. Credit can be carried over to future tax years. | Failed | SWT Letter & Testimony |
| HB0508 | COVID–19 Claim – Civil Immunity | Attar | CF: SB210 – Gives employers immunity for COVID claims for injuries sustained between 3/5/20 through 180 days after the lifting of the emergency COVID order provided all local, state, and federal rules regarding COVID safety were followed. Does not prevent claims arising out of the OSHA and MOSHA violations. | Failed | SWT |
| HB1232 | Alcoholic Beverages – Manufacturer’s Licenses and Off–Site Permits | Brooks | CF: SB821 – Creates a new license class that authorizes manufacturers to hold tastings and sell offsite at fairs and events. Limits to 32 such events a year with no more 9 in a single jurisdiction. Also allows for direct sale and delivery to individuals in state. Removes limitations on amounts that can be sold on or off premises. Applies to distilled spirits, beer and wine. | Returned Passed | SWA |
| SB0821 | Alcoholic Beverages – Manufacturer’s Licenses and Off–Site Permits | Hester | CF: HB1231 – Creates a new license class that authorizes manufacturers to hold tastings and sell offsite at fairs and events. Limits to 32 such events a year with no more 9 in a single jurisdiction. Also allows for direct sale and delivery to individuals in state. Removes limitations on amounts that can be sold on or off premises. Applies to distilled spirits, beer and wine. | Passed Enrolled | SWA |
| HB0012 | Alcoholic Beverages – Sale or Delivery for Off–Premises Consumption | C. Watson | CF: SB205 – Generally authorizes bars, taverns and restaurants with appropriate on-sale consumption license to deliver a sealed beverage for consumption off-site. Must receive authorization from local licensing authority; ensure purchaser is at least 21; beverage delivered in original container, delivered as part of a food purchase, delivered not later than 11pm; and is not delivered to another premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages or to an address located outside of the licensed jurisdiction. | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| HB0225 | Queen Anne’s County – Natural Resources – Sunday Hunting | Arentz | CF: SB605 – Allows authorization to hunt on public lands; hunting on all Sundays in game and bird season; removes authorization for Sunday hunting o deer in firearms season; Sunday hunting in deer bow and spring turkey seasons. | Failed | Support |
| HB0325 | Talbot County – Deer and Turkey Hunting – Sundays | Mautz | CF: SB475 – In Talbot County, authorizes Sunday deer hunting; those under 17 to one Sunday of turkey if part of a junior hunt; to permit same on public land; removes Sunday deer during bow season; and on Sundays during deer firearms season. | Failed | Support |
| HB0589 | Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2021 | Req. Admin. | CF: SB493 – Budget reconciliation bill. | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| HB0588 | Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2022) | Req. Admin. | CF: SB491 – FY2022 proposed budget | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| HB0612 | Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act | Req. Admin. | CF: SB496 – Authorizes payments, grants, and/or loans that were forgiven as part of COVID relief in 2020 to be subtracted from income for tax purposes. | Failed | Support |
| HB0631 | State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund – Purpose, Use, and Funding – Sunset Extension | Beitzel | CF: SB450 – Reauthorizes fund 2027. | Failed | Support |
| HB0693 | Cecil County – Fishing – Restrictions | Cecil Co. Del. | CF: YES – Eliminates the current restrictions on fishing in Cecil County. | Failed | Support |
| HB0795 | Wicomico County – Alcoholic Beverages – Repeal of Food Sales Requirement for Class B (Golf Course) License | Wicomico Delegation | CF: SB715 – Eliminates the food sales requirements for those holding “golf course” alcohol sales licenses. | Returned Passed | Support |
| HB0796 | Sales and Use Tax – Alcoholic Beverages – Rate Reduction | Buckel | CF: YES – Reduces sales tax from 9% to 6%. | Failed | Support |
| HB0801 | Calvert County – Public Safety – Buildings Used for Agritourism | Clark | Adds Calvert County to the list of jurisdictions where use of a building for agrotourism does not create a change in occupancy provided total width of means of egress meets or exceeds the International Build Code standard applicable to sprinkler exemptions. | Returned Passed | Support |
| HB0802 | Calvert County – Sunday Hunting | Clark | CF: SB356 – Allows authorization to hunt on public lands; hunting on all Sundays in game and bird season; removes authorization for Sunday hunting o deer in firearms season; Sunday hunting in deer bow and spring turkey seasons. | Failed | Support |
| HB0833 | Natural Resources – State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund – Mandatory Funding | Buckel | CF: SB618 – Starting in FY2023, increases mandatory funding from $1m to $3m. | Failed | Support |
| HB0840 | Somerset County – Natural Resources – Sunday Hunting | Otto | CF: SB634 – Allows for Sunday hunting in Somerset County in the game bird and game mamma season and on public lands leased to a hunt club. | Failed | Support |
| HB0856 | Worcester County – Sunday Hunting – Game Bird and Game Mammal Seasons and Public Land | Hartman | CF: SB633 – Allows for Sunday hunting in Worcester County in the game bird and game mammal season and on public lands. | Withdrawn | Support |
| HB0880 | Allegany County – Alcoholic Beverages Licenses – Annual Fees | AA Delegation | CF: SB679 – Waives FY 2021-2022 license fees for those selling alcohol for on-premises consumption at bars or restaurants provided the license hold paid fees for 2020-2021 licensing period. | Returned Passed | Support |
| HB0911 | Natural Resources – Waterfowl Hunting – Susquehanna Flats | Lisanti | Brings back waterfowl hunting on the Susquehanna Flats provided hunter is standing on natural ground. | Failed | Support |
| HB1137 | Property Tax Credit – Business Entities – State of Emergency | Kerr | CF: Yes – Enabling legislation allowing local jurisdictions to grant personal and real property tax credits for entities affected by a state of emergency. Local sets amount, duration, and criteria. | Returned Passed | Support |
| HB1149 | Small Business Tax Relief – State of Emergency Orders | Cox | Exempts small businesses from income tax revenues generated during state or local states of emergency. | Failed | Support |
| HB1162 | Economic Development – Maryland Stadium Authority – Hagerstown Multi–Use Sports and Events Facility | Thiam | CF: SB926 – Establishes a Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility and authorizes the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue bonds up to $59.5m and other activity related thereto. | Withdrawn | Support |
| HB1163 | Caroline County – Sunday Hunting – Deer Hunting Seasons | Caroline Co. Del. | CF: SB603 – Authorizes Sunday deer hunting. | Failed | Support |
| HB1179 | Wicomico County – Property Tax Credit – Hotel or Residential Development | Wicomico Delegation | CF: SB794 – Authorizes local government to grant a property tax credit for new or substantially renovated hotels or new residential developments. | Returned Passed | Support |
| HB1257 | Business Personal Property Tax – Businesses Affected by COVID–19 Restrictions – Reimbursement | Hornberger | Requires reimbursement of personal property taxes paid in 2020 if business was completely unable to do business or unable to conduct normal business and was required to provide curbside, carryout, or delivery services only. Must file for reimbursement between 1/1/21-4/15/21. | Failed | Support |
| HB1259 | Horse Racing – Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area | Cecil Co. Del. | CF: SB919 – Eliminates the required 2 days of racing, the corresponding state fair, and steeple chase requirement. Requires budget allocation of $1.3m in FY 2023-2027 for operation and maintainance of physical facilities. | Returned Passed | Support |
| HB1301 | Baltimore City – Visit Baltimore – Appropriation Calculation | Smith | CF: SB789 – Requires Baltimore City to allocate to Visit Baltimore in addition to 40% of hotel tax an appropriation as follow: if the on 3-year rolling average of hotel tax is greater than the 40% allocation, the amount of difference; or if amount is less than the 40%, the City may decrease the 40% by the amount of difference. | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| SB0205 | Alcoholic Beverages – Sale or Delivery for Off–Premises Consumption | Hettleman | CF: HB12 – Generally authorizes bars, taverns and restaurants with appropriate on-sale consumption license to deliver a sealed beverage for consumption off-site. Must receive authorization from local licensing authority; ensure purchaser is at least 21; beverage delivered in original container, delivered as part of a food purchase, delivered not later than 11pm; and is not delivered to another premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages or to an address located outside of the licensed jurisdiction. | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| SB0210 | COVID–19 Claim – Civil Immunity | West | CF: HB508 – Gives employers immunity for COVID claims for injuries sustained between 3/5/20 through 180 days after the lifting of the emergency COVID order provided all local, state, and federal rules regarding COVID safety were followed. Does not prevent claims arising out of the OSHA and MOSHA violations. | Failed | Support |
| SB0318 | Natural Resources – Fishing and Hunting Rights | Bailey | CF: Yes – Generalized statement that Maryland supports hunting and fishing rights subject to regulation within the state. | Returned Passed | Support |
| SB0356 | Calvert County – Sunday Hunting | Bailey | CF: HB802 – Allows authorization to hunt on public lands; hunting on all Sundays in game and bird season; removes authorization for Sunday hunting o deer in firearms season; Sunday hunting in deer bow and spring turkey seasons. | Failed | Support |
| SB0450 | State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund – Purpose, Use, and Funding – Sunset Extension | Edwards | CF: HB631 – Reauthorizes fund 2027. | Failed | Support |
| SB0475 | Talbot County – Deer and Turkey Hunting – Sundays | Eckardt | CF: HB325 – In Talbot County, authorizes Sunday deer hunting; those under 17 to one Sunday of turkey if part of a junior hunt; to permit same on public land; removes Sunday deer during bow season; and on Sundays during deer firearms season. | Failed | Support |
| SB0491 | Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2022) | Req. Admin. | CF: HB588 – FY2022 proposed budget | Failed | Support |
| SB0493 | Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2021 | Req. Admin. | CF: HB589 – Budget reconciliation bill. | Failed | Support |
| SB0594 | Labor and Employment – Maryland Healthy Working Families Act – Verification | Carozza | Provided employer provided employee notice pertaining to the need to provide verification that leave was used appropriately, employer may deny leave if employee fails to provide requested verification. | Signed | Support |
| SB0496 | Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act | Req. Admin. | CF: HB612 – Authorizes payments, grants, and/or loans that were forgiven as part of COVID relief in 2020 to be subtracted from income for tax purposes. | Failed | Support |
| SB0603 | Caroline County – Sunday Hunting – Deer Hunting Seasons | Hershey | CF: HB1163 – Authorizes Sunday deer hunting. | Failed | Support |
| SB0605 | Queen Anne’s County – Natural Resources – Sunday Hunting | Hershey | CF: HB225 – Allows authorization to hunt on public lands; hunting on all Sundays in game and bird season; removes authorization for Sunday hunting o deer in firearms season; Sunday hunting in deer bow and spring turkey seasons. | Failed | Support |
| SB0618 | Natural Resources – State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund – Mandatory Funding | Edwards | CF: HB833 – Starting in FY2023, increases mandatory funding from $1m to $3m. | Failed | Support |
| SB0633 | Worcester County – Sunday Hunting – Game Bird and Game Mammal Seasons and Public Land | Carozza | CF: HB856 – Allows for Sunday hunting in Worcester County in the game bird and game mammal season and on public lands. | Withdrawn | Support |
| SB0634 | Somerset County – Natural Resources – Sunday Hunting | Carozza | CF: HB840 – Allows for Sunday hunting in Somerset County in the game bird and game mammal season and on public lands leased to a hunt club. | Failed | Support |
| SB0679 | Allegany County – Alcoholic Beverages Licenses – Annual Fees | Edwards | CF: HB880 – Waives FY 2021-2022 license fees for those selling alcohol for on-premises consumption at bars or restaurants provided the license hold paid fees for 2020-2021 licensing period. | Returned Passed | Support |
| SB0740 | Economic Development – COVID–19 Small Business Grant Program (COVID–19 Crisis Small Business Survival Program Act of 2021) | Rosapepe | Creates a grant program for small business (less than 50 employees) impacted by COVID-19. Grants available 2021 and 2022. To be eligible must have experienced at least a 25% drop in gross receipts during the pandemic resulting from quarantine rules or market forces. | Failed | Support |
| SB0869 | Statewide Transit Plan – Western Maryland MARC Rail Extension Study | Corderman | Requires MTA to study the feasibility and routing of a MARC extension to Western Maryland. | Failed | Support |
| SB0887 | Property Tax Credit – Business Entities – State of Emergency | Elfreth | CF: HB1137 – Enabling legislation to enact public safety related state of emergency property tax credits for business entities. | Returned Passed | Support |
| SB0919 | Horse Racing – Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area | Gallion | CF: HB1259 – Eliminates the required 2 days of racing, the corresponding state fair, and steeple chase requirement. Requires budget allocation of $1.3m in FY 2023-2027 for operation and maintainance of physical facilities. | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| SB0926 | Economic Development – Maryland Stadium Authority – Hagerstown Multi–Use Sports and Events Facility | Corderman | CF: HB1162 – Establishes a Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility and authorizes the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue bonds up to $59.5m and other activity related thereto. | Passed Enrolled | Support |
| HB0581 | Labor and Employment – Employment Standards During an Emergency (Maryland Essential Workers’ Protection Act) | D.E. Davis | CF: SB486 – Mandates that employers treat the work environment for essential works as it would any other occupational hazard mitigation in cases of emergency or when under executive order; if fail to do so employee has cause of action; grants sick leave up to 14-days if the employee gets sick; requires telework when feasible and mandates employers set this up for employees whose jobs can be accomplished via telework; and grants employees hazard pay in the amount of an additional $3 per hour for any employee working less than $100,000 per year who are not subject to a collective bargaining unit that already stipulates the amount of hazard pay. Applies most employment sectors and jobs categories. | Returned Passed | Oppose/Letter |
| HB0901 | Anne Arundel County – Hotel Tax Alterations – Distribution of Revenue | Req. AA County | CF: SB529 – dedicates 3% of tax raised in Annapolis to special fund to be used to provide funds to the Annapolis Art in Public Places Commission; makes the contributions to AA Arts Council and Visitors Bureau “special funds;” requires reporting on uses of funds; and authorizes County or City governments to withhold funds if report is not made. | Passed Enrolled | |
| SB0211 | Labor and Employment – Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program – Establishment (Time to Care Act of 2021) | Hayes | CF: HB375 – Creates an insurance fund for family & medical leave; benefits cap at $1,000 and/or 12 weeks of leave. Both employer and employees contribute. Employee contribution not to exceed 0.75% of wages; employer’s contribution is 50% of total of employees contributions. P16 L3: “Each employee of an employer shall contribute and amount equal to 50% of the total rate of contribution.” Unclear what this means. Contribution amount set by State Treasure who administers the fund. Benefits begin in 2023 but contributions start on effective 2022. Does not change collective bargaining agreements but agreements must have the minimum benefits under this section. | Failed | Oppose |
| SB0486 | Labor and Employment – Employment Standards During an Emergency (Maryland Essential Workers’ Protection Act) | Req. Admin. | CF: HB581 – Mandates that employers treat the work environment for essential works as it would any other occupational hazard mitigation in cases of emergency or when under executive order; if fail to do so employee has cause of action; grants sick leave up to 14-days if the employee gets sick; requires telework when feasible and mandates employers set this up for employees whose jobs can be accomplished via telework; and grants employees hazard pay in the amount of an additional $3 per hour for any employee working less than $100,000 per year who are not subject to a collective bargaining unit that already stipulates the amount of hazard pay. Applies most employment sectors and jobs categories. | Failed | Oppose |
| SB0529 | Anne Arundel County – Hotel Tax Alterations – Distribution of Revenue | Req. AA County | CF: HB901 – dedicates 3% of tax raised in Annapolis to special fund to be used to provide funds to the Annapolis Art in Public Places Commission; makes the contributions to AA Arts Council and Visitors Bureau “special funds;” requires reporting on uses of funds; and authorizes County or City governments to withhold funds if report is not made. | Passed Enrolled | Oppose |
| HB1179 | Wicomico County – Property Tax Credit – Hotel or Residential Development | Wicomico Delegation | CF: SB794 – Authorizes local government to grant a property tax credit for new or substantially renovated hotels or new residential developments. | Failed | Support |
| SB0926 | Economic Development – Maryland Stadium Authority – Hagerstown Multi–Use Sports and Events Facility |
Senators Corderman and |
Authorizing the Maryland Stadium Authority to review certain matters and make certain recommendations relating to the Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility; authorizing the Authority to acquire by certain means a Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility site or an interest in the site; requiring the Authority to transfer certain lease payments to the Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility Fund under certain circumstances; etc | Failed | Support |
| SB0727 | Maryland Healthy Working Families Act – Revisions and Public Health Emergency Leave | Feldman | CF: HB1326 – Eliminates exemption for agricultural workers; expands family members; and adds a new category of leave related to public health emergencies. | Failed | OpposeSB0214 |
| SB0214 | Unemployment Insurance – Computation of Earned Rate of Contribution – Applicable Table of Rates | Salling | Shifts employer contributions to the rates specified in Table A regardless of amount in the insurance fund. | Failed | Monitor |
| HB1373 | Highways – Public–Private Partnerships – Cultural Preservation | Love | CF: SB960 – Prohibits acquisition or development of a highway that encroaches on places designated as historically significant. | Failed | |
| SB0956 | Baltimore County – Property Tax Credit for Business Entities – State of Emergency | Salling | Authorizes Baltimore County to develop a credit against the local property tax to businesses impacted by state of emergency. County sets amount, duration, eligibility, etc. | Failed | |
| SB0960 | Highways – Public–Private Partnerships – Cultural Preservation | Lee | CF: HB1373 – Prohibits acquisition or development of a highway that encroaches on places designated as historically significant. | Failed |