MD HB249

Local jurisdictions in Maryland are prohibited from enacting or enforcing ordinances that establish thresholds for calling law enforcement or emergency services as grounds for designating a residential property as a nuisance

Property operators, owners, owner-occupants, and tenants cannot be penalized for summoning police, fire, rescue, ambulance, or mobile crisis services to their residential property

Exemptions apply to ordinances governing security alarm systems, property condition/maintenance, parking enforcement, short-term rentals (under 31 days), and calls made with intent to harass or that are knowingly false

Affected parties may raise violations as a defense to enforcement or as an affirmative claim for damages, with courts authorized to award reasonable damages, attorney's fees, court costs, and reinstatement of rental licenses

Effective July 1, 2025; approved by Governor Wes Moore on May 13, 2025