The Budget and Taxation Committee considered Senate Bill 204, a departmental bill from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) that would change the deadline for local governments to set and notify SDAT of their tax rates. Under current law, the deadline is July 1; the proposed amendment sets an earlier deadline in June.

Committee staff summarized testimony from the Maryland Municipal League (MML) and Anne Arundel County asking for an earlier date to accommodate local budget processes. The staff said, "Mako says that their preference is June 20th, which was the same that, Anne Arundel County wanted. MML suggested June 15th." The staff added that SDAT had indicated a June 20th date would be acceptable to the department.

Staff told the committee that SDAT uses the July 1 timing to line up calculations for homeowner tax credits and other notices, and that changing the date could reduce the number of revised tax bills and service calls the department handles. The bill’s fiscal note listed no material state or local fiscal effect, though staff noted the change "may affect local budget processes and could require changes to local charters."

Committee members debated the exact target date; some favored June 20 to give localities more time than a June 15 alternative. After discussion, the committee voted to report the bill favorably as amended. A roll-call tally was not provided in the transcript; the chair called for "All in favor? Aye."