BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) — Following the conclusion of the 2026 Maryland State Legislative Session, Mayor Brandon M. Scott celebrated key policy wins for the city that will support vacant reduction efforts, drive investment Downtown, and strengthen public safety, including by cracking down on traffic violations for vehicles with out-of-state license plates.
“I want to thank the Governor and the best delegation in the State for fighting on behalf of our residents, not just during the legislative session, but every single day,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I’m proud that the City was able to advocate successfully for these wins, which are the result of so many Baltimoreans coming together to make their voices heard. As we continue to drive Baltimore’s Renaissance forward, these laws give us new tools to drive growth and opportunity across the city.”
In addition to key legislation summarized below, Governor Moore’s budget includes a sustained $50 million annual investment in the City’s vacants strategy; an additional $2.5 million in funding for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement’s (MONSE) public safety work — restoring funding cut at the federal level; $8 million to support replacement of the City’s CAD (“Computer-Aided Dispatch”) system, which manages communications for public safety agencies, including the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) and Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD); and $500,000 for the Baltimore City Health Department’s (BCHD) B’more for Healthy Babies program.
A summary of key legislative wins is below.
Downtown Rise PILOT – HB1232/SB0756 gives the City new tools to drive redevelopment and investment Downtown.
Judicial In Rem Tax Foreclosure – HB1110/SB0819 improves processes for the City to take possession of long-vacant properties for redevelopment.
Eliminating Cap on Fines for Illegal Dumping – HB0681/SB0290 eliminates the $1,000 cap on certain fines and fees, providing the City with an essential tool to deter and punish illegal dumping and other offenses that harm public safety, community well-being, and drain City resources.
Restoring Records Access – HB1145/SB0524 restores records access for MONSE, allowing the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and BPD to share records about specific young people receiving support services from MONSE, the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS), and the Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME).
Out-of-State Plates – HB0212/SB0111 allows the City to crack down on vehicles improperly registered out of state, including those with Virginia plates.