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Bill

HB 483

Income Tax Credit - Venison Donation - Alterations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Allen and 9 co-sponsors

Maryland proposes income tax credit for venison donations to charities, incentivizing hunters to provide game meat for food-insecure communities while reducing state tax revenue.

Hearing 2/06 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 483

Legislative bill overview

HB 483 proposes to create an income tax credit for Maryland residents who donate venison to charitable organizations. The bill allows taxpayers to claim a credit based on the value of donated venison, incentivizing participation in game meat donation programs that provide food assistance to low-income communities.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects many Maryland families, and venison donation programs offer a sustainable way to increase protein availability while supporting hunters and wildlife management. Tax incentives can encourage charitable giving by reducing the cost to donors, potentially expanding the reach of existing food assistance networks.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax revenue impact: The fiscal cost of the tax credit and how many Marylanders would use it are unclear; this reduces state revenue without offsetting appropriations identified
  • Valuation methodology: Determining fair market value of donated venison for tax purposes could be subjective and difficult to audit, creating compliance challenges
  • Program accessibility: The benefit primarily serves hunters and may not address broader food insecurity solutions; questions exist about whether this is the most efficient use of tax incentives compared to direct food assistance funding

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

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