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HB 702

Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - Uses - Cooperative Housing Corporations and Condominiums (Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Korman and 2 co-sponsors

Expands Maryland's energy rebate program to include cooperative housing corporations and condominiums, providing previously excluded residents access to state energy efficiency incentives.

Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 702

Legislative bill overview

HB 702 expands Maryland's Strategic Energy Investment Fund to make cooperative housing corporations and condominiums eligible for energy efficiency rebates and incentives. Previously, these housing types were excluded from state energy investment programs despite their residents paying into the fund through utility taxes. The bill aims to create equitable access to energy efficiency funding for multi-unit residential properties organized as co-ops or condos.

Why is this important

Approximately 15-20% of Maryland households live in cooperative or condominium housing, yet they have been systematically excluded from energy rebate programs that benefit single-family homeowners. This exclusion means residents in these properties pay the same utility taxes but cannot access state funding for energy improvements like HVAC upgrades, insulation, or solar installations. Expanding eligibility could reduce energy costs for thousands of households while supporting Maryland's climate and energy efficiency goals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and fund allocation: Expanding beneficiaries may require increased state funding or reduce per-unit rebate amounts for existing eligible properties, creating competition for limited resources
  • Administrative complexity: Co-ops and condos have shared ownership structures that complicate rebate distribution and accountability compared to single-family homes
  • Building vs. individual accountability: Unclear how rebates will be allocated among co-op/condo residents and whether individual units or entire buildings must participate in improvements

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

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