MD HB59

Tax collectors must withhold owner-occupied residential property and property occupied by heirs of deceased owners from tax sale when total taxes, interest, and penalties amount to less than $1,000 (increased from $750)

Counties must establish registries for interested parties or the Tax Sale Ombudsman to designate properties to be withheld from tax sale, with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation providing assistance upon request

Maximum redemption rate for owner-occupied property sold at tax sale is capped at 10% per year, and post-sale taxes, interest, and penalties cannot be included in redemption payments for owner-occupied residential property

Foreclosure complaint waiting period extended from 9 to 12 months for owner-occupied residential property, with first notice to interested parties delayed from 7 to 10 months after sale; tenants must receive 90 days notice before possession (increased from 30 days)

Provisions previously applicable only to Baltimore City are expanded statewide, including restrictions on selling property solely for unpaid water/sewer charges and procedures for abandoned property sold below lien amounts