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HB 1302

Housing and Community Development - Housing Counseling

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Rosenberg and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1302 establishes housing counseling standards and programs in Maryland to help residents navigate homeownership, rental, and financial housing challenges.

Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1302

Legislative bill overview

HB 1302 establishes or modifies housing counseling programs in Maryland, likely creating standards for housing counseling services, funding mechanisms, or regulatory frameworks for counselors. The bill appears designed to improve access to professional guidance for individuals facing housing challenges, whether related to homeownership, rental issues, or foreclosure prevention.

Why is this important

Housing counseling services help vulnerable populations navigate complex housing markets, avoid predatory lending, and maintain stable housing—critical issues given rising housing costs and homelessness. Establishing formal programs and standards can improve service quality and accessibility while potentially reducing financial harm to consumers and downstream public costs from housing instability.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and amount: Unclear whether this creates new state funding obligations or redirects existing resources, which affects budget priorities and tax implications
  • Counselor credentials and oversight: Determining what qualifications counselors need, who enforces standards, and liability questions could create implementation challenges and costs
  • Scope of services: Disagreement may exist over whether counseling should focus narrowly on homeownership education or broadly include rental assistance, eviction prevention, and other housing issues

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

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