MD SB630

Residential property owners may sue for damages when their property value diminishes due to eminent domain taking of nearby property (within 300 feet) for overhead transmission line construction, with the option to recover reasonable attorney's fees if damages are awarded.

In condemnation proceedings related to overhead transmission lines under § 7–207 of the Public Utilities Article, if the final assessed property value exceeds the condemning authority's appraised value, the defendant's counsel fees and case costs must be charged to the plaintiff.

The same counsel fee and cost provisions apply to appeals of condemnation cases involving overhead transmission line construction where the assessed value exceeds the condemning authority's appraisal.

Property owners may file their damage claims once a final decision is entered in the condemnation proceeding.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.