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HB 231

Constitutional Amendment - Fee or Tax Rate Increases - Yea and Nay Vote of General Assembly Required (Taxpayer Disclosure and Protection Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nino Mangione

Maryland constitutional amendment requiring supermajority legislative approval for all state fee and tax rate increases, limiting fiscal flexibility and requiring voter ratification.

Hearing 1/23 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 231

Legislative bill overview

HB 231 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority vote (yea and nay) in the Maryland General Assembly before implementing any fee or tax rate increases. The bill aims to establish stricter procedural requirements for fiscal policy changes and would require voter approval to amend the state constitution.

Why is this important

This amendment would fundamentally alter how Maryland's legislature can adjust state revenue sources, potentially limiting the government's fiscal flexibility during budget crises or economic changes. It would shift decision-making power by requiring higher legislative thresholds and ultimately voter approval, affecting the state's ability to fund public services, infrastructure, and emergency responses.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget inflexibility: Supermajority requirements could paralyze state finances during emergencies or recessions when revenue adjustments are most needed
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly distinguish between fee increases (regulatory or user-based) versus tax increases, potentially catching unrelated policies
  • Democratic representation debate: Supporters argue it protects taxpayers; opponents contend it grants a legislative minority veto power over majority-backed fiscal policy

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

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