MD SB154

Extends the $14,000,000 annual distribution from abandoned property funds to the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund through fiscal year 2028, and requires the Governor to include a corresponding $14,000,000 appropriation to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation in each annual budget

Transfers oversight of the Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force from the Office of the Attorney General to the Department of Housing and Community Development, which will appoint members, designate the chair, and provide staff

Allows tenant members of the Task Force (those with income not exceeding 50% of State median income) to receive reasonable compensation including stipends, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Community Development

Changes the Task Force reporting requirement from annual reports to a single final report due January 1, 2026

Takes effect June 1, 2025, and was approved by Governor Wes Moore on May 13, 2025