Legislative News From Delegate Mark Fisher

Governor Moore has requested nearly 250 fee increases through regulation and legislation.

Last Monday, the State announced a "$250 million write-down", which means people are buying less, therefore there's less tax revenue. Marylanders are feeling their budgets strained by inflation. Yet, the solution in Annapolis is to take more of your money.

Here are some bills to watch:

HB 935 - Imposes an 11% tax on firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition.

HB 1515 - Imposes a tax on the service industry such as hairdressers, grocery deliverers, see attached chart.

HB 925 - Increases the State's vehicle excise tax rate from 6% to 6.5%.

HB 1319 - Legalizes internet gambling, also know as "iGaming".

Additionally, here are some other fees they are aiming to increase:

Changing vehicle registration fees so that large vehicles pay more: $250 million tax increase

Enacting a corporate tax reform known as "combined reporting": $225 million tax increase

Applying the vehicle excise tax to trade-ins: $155 million tax increase

Increasing a vehicle registration surcharge to fund trauma centers, but the money is not lockboxed: $85 million tax increase

Increasing tolls: $75 million

Adding a 75-cent fee on rides through ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft: $45 million

Increasing fines for driving infractions: $30 million