The Prince George General Assembly Committee meeting on March 11, 2025, focused on several significant legislative proposals, including discussions on housing policies and community initiatives aimed at addressing food deserts.

One of the primary topics was House Bill 1466, which seeks to promote the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential zones. Sponsored by Delegate Von Stewart, the bill aims to increase the housing stock across Maryland by requiring local jurisdictions to adopt laws that facilitate the development of ADUs. Key provisions include prohibiting impact fees and limiting local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on ADU development. However, the bill faced opposition from various municipalities and organizations, including Mako, which expressed concerns about potential deviations from previous recommendations regarding lot sizes and parking requirements. The committee ultimately voted to oppose the bill, citing the need for local jurisdictions to retain control over zoning decisions.

Another significant piece of legislation discussed was House Bill 1525, which addresses limitations on municipal annexation. This bill, introduced by Delegate Harrison, aims to prevent municipalities from annexing land located in different legislative districts. The intent is to enhance public participation in the annexation process and ensure that residents are not unexpectedly incorporated into municipalities without their consent. The committee decided to hold the bill for further consideration.

The meeting also covered House Bill 1434, which proposes the establishment of a work group to analyze food deserts in Maryland. This initiative aims to assess the prevalence of food deserts and develop strategies to attract grocery stores to underserved areas. The work group will be staffed by the Department of Housing and Community Development and is expected to produce a report with findings and recommendations by November 1, 2025. The committee expressed support for this bill, recognizing its potential impact on improving access to nutritious food in Prince George's County.

Lastly, House Bill 1364 was introduced, focusing on cannabis reform and the administration of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. This bill aims to enhance oversight of funds generated from cannabis sales, which are intended to support communities affected by past drug policies. The committee discussed amendments to correct drafting errors in the bill to ensure proper fund management.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to addressing housing challenges, community needs, and social equity through legislative action. The next steps involve further discussions and potential revisions to the proposed bills as they move through the legislative process.