Bills we are monitoring this week 03/17/2025
⚡ Energy & Sustainability Legislation
📌 HB 4 / SB 120 – Restrictions on Use – Solar Collector Systems
➡ Summary: Prohibits land use restrictions that interfere with solar panel installation.
➡ Status: Passed House Environment & Transportation; Passed Judicial Proceedings.
➡ AIA Maryland Position: Monitoring – Ensures reasonable use of solar energy technology while considering design impact.
📌 HB 207 – Building Energy Performance Standards
➡ Summary: Establishes statewide energy efficiency benchmarks for large buildings.
➡ Status: Awaiting committee action; may see movement before crossover deadline.
➡ AIA Maryland Position: Supporting with amendments – Advocating for clear guidelines that balance sustainability goals with feasibility for existing structures.
📌 SB 302 – Clean Energy Jobs Act Expansion
➡ Summary: Increases renewable energy targets and incentives for energy-efficient buildings.
➡ Status: Hearing completed, expected to advance this week.
➡ AIA Maryland Position: Monitoring – Tracking potential impacts on green building standards and project costs.
🚗 Transportation & Infrastructure
📌 HB 20 / SB 198 – Transportation – Consolidated Transportation Plan
➡ Summary: Adjusts transportation planning requirements to better prioritize critical infrastructure projects.
➡ Status: Hearings scheduled – HB 20 (2/11, 1:00 PM, Appropriations); SB 198 (1/29, 10:30 AM).
➡ AIA Maryland Position: Monitoring – Ensuring architects have input in shaping transportation policy.
🏡 Property & Development
📌 HB 23 – Property Taxes – Authority of Counties to Establish Subclasses
➡ Summary: Grants local jurisdictions the ability to create property tax subclasses for specific uses.
➡ Status: Passed Ways & Means, moving to the Senate.
➡ AIA Maryland Position: Monitoring – Could impact taxation structures related to development projects.
🔎 What’s Next?
Crossover Day was Monday, March 17, and most electricity-related bills have moved forward, though leadership is working to consolidate them into a comprehensive energy bill. This week, leadership is focused on the budget review, ensuring all aspects are thoroughly addressed. Stay updated by following our social media channels for the latest developments!
Support Increased Funding for HUD’s Section 4 Program
A sign-on letter is currently circulating to request funding for HUD’s Section 4 Capacity and Affordable Housing program, and components are encouraged to add their support. The deadline to sign on is Friday, March 21.
Section 4 strengthens nonprofit organizations’ ability to develop affordable housing and lead community development initiatives that benefit low-income individuals. A portion of these funds is specifically allocated for rural areas. However, current funding levels are inadequate to meet the growing demand, particularly as housing and consumer costs continue to rise.
By signing onto this letter, you can help advocate for $50 million in funding for FY 2026, which would leverage $1 billion in total investments—a critical boost for affordable housing and community development efforts nationwide.
We encourage you to take action and support this essential program. Sign on today!
Here’s the link to sign on: liscpolicy.wufoo.com/forms/m1qkw9b113vz2fr
Here’s a link to a factsheet: https://www.lisc.org/media/filer_public/fb/f7/fbf7392b-a9dd-49da-b33d-33e0f10a6d73/section_4_one-pager_handout_2025_31725.pdf
Here is a link to AIA’s policy position on Housing: https://www.aia.org/advocacy/federal-policy-issues
AIA Maryland’s 2025 Blueprint
AIA Maryland Testimony
HB0049- Letter of Support
HB0061- Letter of Support
HB0155 – Letter of Support
HB0277 – Letter of Support
HB0489 – Letter of Support
HB1466 – Letter of Support
SB0096 – Letter of Support
SB0247 – Letter of Support
Join our weekly Monday meeting to get the most up-to-date info!
Mondays at 12!
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 861 3487 8057
Passcode: 733509
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The Maryland Architects PAC Protects Architects Careers.
Founded in 1995, the Maryland Architects PAC partners with AIA Maryland to achieve legislative goals, aiding architects in electing supportive legislators. Financial contributions are vital for promoting Maryland architects’ interests and enhancing the state’s architectural practice.
Every donation, big or small, helps support this cause.
