2006 Legislative Session

Updated 4.6.06

Maryland Nonprofits' Initiatives

House Bill 1195/Senate Bill 351 - requiring more information with the Spending Affordability Committee's recommendations – these bills are being held in committee and are not expected to move

House Bill 1227/Senate Bill 639 - creating a Federal Fund Replacement Account in the State Reserve Fund – are not going to be approved (HB 1227 has been reported unfavorably) – But the purpose of the bills has been largely accomplished by other initiatives of the legislative leadership establishing a larger reserve fund, and budget language authorizing the use of those new reserves to make up lost revenue.

House Bill 1263/Senate Bill 643 - requiring a report listing cuts in funding and services – these bills are still pending in committees

House Bill 1624 - sales tax treatment of charity auction sales – has passed the House and was heard in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on April 6.

Maryland Nonprofits - Support

House Bill 398 - MD's Charitable Solicitation Applications – has passed both Houses but a Senate Amendment needs to be resolved

House Bill 346 - Increase Maryland's Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit – has not moved and is not expected to pass

House Bill 1054/Senate Bill 569 - Public Financing of Legislative Campaigns – HB 1054 was passed by the House on April 4; the Senate Bill is expected to receive a vote in Committee – although the legislation may not be enacted, House passage is seen as a major step toward this reform and assures a continued effort next year

House Bill 585/Senate Bill 140 - Aggregating Campaign Contributions of Related Business Entities -  these bills are not moving and not expected to pass

House Bill 1235/Senate Bill 1076 - Community Investment Tax Credit – bills have not yet moved

House Bill 1426 - Require Reporting of Charitable Gaming Activities (with amendments) – this bill has been ‘converted’ into the creation of a study commission, and is now pending passage in the Senate

Maryland Nonprofits - Oppose

Proposals to Reduce Maryland Estate Taxes – legislation to fix a ‘cliff’ effect for taxpayers at the point they become liable to the tax, and make other technical changes recommended by the comptroller is moving; efforts to ‘re-couple’ with federal exemptions – which we strongly oppose – are not moving.

House Bill 1444 - Taxpayer Bill of Rights - Constitutional Amendment – no action expected