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HB 1546

Board of Public Works - Central Collection Unit - Delinquent Federal Funds

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa Atterbeary and 7 co-sponsors

Maryland creates a Board of Public Works collection unit to recover delinquent federal funds owed to the state.

Rereferred to Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 1546

Legislative bill overview

HB 1546 establishes a Central Collection Unit within Maryland's Board of Public Works to identify and recover delinquent federal funds owed to the state. The bill authorizes this new administrative entity to pursue outstanding federal payments and manage the collection process systematically.

Why is this important

States are regularly underpaid or experience delays in federal reimbursements for programs like Medicaid, education, and infrastructure. Creating a dedicated collection unit could recover millions in owed funds, improving state finances without raising taxes or cutting services. However, the actual dollar amount at stake and recovery success rates remain unclear without seeing fiscal estimates.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Critics may question whether creating a new government unit is cost-effective compared to using existing recovery mechanisms or contracting collection services
  • Federal relationship dynamics: Aggressive collection efforts could create tension with federal agencies, potentially affecting Maryland's future federal funding relationships or grant approvals
  • Scope and authority: Unclear whether the unit has sufficient authority to compel federal payment or if it's merely administrative, which affects its practical utility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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