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HB 1413

Maryland Department of Planning - District of Columbia Retrocession - Study

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hornberger

Maryland to study returning state territory to D.C. control, examining legal and fiscal impacts of potential retrocession.

First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations
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Bill Summary · HB 1413

Legislative bill overview

HB 1413 directs the Maryland Department of Planning to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and implications of retroceding (returning) territory from Maryland to the District of Columbia. This would involve examining the legal, financial, economic, and practical dimensions of potentially transferring Maryland land back to federal district control, a concept rooted in Maryland's historical cession of land to create D.C. in 1790.

Why is this important

Retrocession has been a recurring policy discussion affecting the Maryland-D.C. border region, with implications for jurisdictional authority, tax revenue, land use, and regional governance. The study could inform future policy decisions about D.C. statehood proposals, boundary disputes, or cooperative regional arrangements between Maryland and the District.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax and revenue impact: Maryland would lose tax revenue from any retroceded territory, while potentially gaining or losing other fiscal benefits depending on D.C.'s tax structure
  • Jurisdictional concerns: Questions about which areas would be involved, how residents would be affected, and whether affected Maryland communities support this
  • Political motivation: Retrocession discussions often connect to D.C. statehood efforts, making this politically contentious between those supporting D.C. autonomy and those opposing it

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

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