MD HB1244

Residential property owners may sue for damages when their property value is diminished by eminent domain takings within 300 feet of their residence for overhead transmission line construction, with the court authorized to award reasonable attorney's fees to successful plaintiffs.

In condemnation proceedings related to overhead transmission line construction under § 7-207 of the Public Utilities Article, if the final assessed property value exceeds the condemning authority's appraised value, the condemning authority must pay the property owner's reasonable counsel fees plus other case costs.

The same counsel fee and cost recovery provision applies on appeal: if the appellate decision finds the property's assessed value exceeds the condemning authority's appraisal, the authority pays defendant's legal fees and costs.

Amends the Real Property Article sections 12-104, 12-105, and 12-107 of the Maryland Annotated Code.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.