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Bill

HB 1095

Calvert County - Property Tax Credit - Tobacco Barns

2026 Regular Session

HB 1095 creates a property tax credit for Calvert County owners preserving historic tobacco barns, reducing local tax revenue to incentivize agricultural heritage conservation.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 147
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1095

Legislative bill overview

HB 1095 establishes a property tax credit for owners of historic tobacco barns in Calvert County, Maryland. The bill allows eligible property owners to reduce their property tax liability based on the preservation or maintenance of these agricultural structures with cultural and historical significance.

Why is this important

Tobacco barns represent a disappearing part of Maryland's agricultural heritage and rural landscape. The tax credit incentivizes property owners to preserve these structures rather than demolish them for development, supporting both historic preservation and agricultural conservation in Calvert County specifically.

Potential points of contention

  • Local revenue impact: Property tax credits reduce county tax revenue, which may affect funding for schools, services, and infrastructure unless offset elsewhere
  • Definition and qualification criteria: The bill's specificity about which barns qualify, how condition is assessed, and what maintenance standards must be met will determine who benefits and whether implementation is administratively feasible
  • Geographic limitation: Restricting the credit to Calvert County raises equity questions about why other Maryland counties with similar agricultural heritage are excluded

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

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