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HB 351

Creation of a State Debt - Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2025, and the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loans of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024

2025 Regular Session

Maryland authorizes 2025 state bonds for capital projects while reaffirming prior year borrowing authority, expanding the state's long-term debt obligations for infrastructure and facilities.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 603
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Bill Summary · HB 351

Legislative bill overview

HB 351 authorizes Maryland to issue new state bonds totaling an unspecified amount for capital projects in 2025, while also ratifying and reauthorizing previous bond programs from 2011-2024. The bill provides the state with borrowing authority to fund infrastructure, facilities, and other long-term capital investments.

Why is this important

State bond bills directly determine what major projects—schools, roads, bridges, public buildings—get funded and how the state finances them. This creates multi-year debt obligations that affect the state budget, taxpayer liability, and future spending flexibility. The 2025 authorization adds to Maryland's existing debt burden from 14 prior years of capital bonds.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of project transparency: The bill text doesn't specify which projects receive funding, making it difficult for constituents to know where their borrowed money goes
  • Debt accumulation: Reauthorizing 14 consecutive years of bonds raises questions about whether the state is borrowing beyond sustainable levels or deferring difficult budget decisions
  • Bond allocation details: Floor amendments were made without the summary showing what changed, creating uncertainty about final priorities and spending terms

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

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