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HB 81

Real Property - Condemnation - Compensation for Farm and Agricultural Property (Protect Maryland Farm Lands Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Arentz and 13 co-sponsors

Requires Maryland to pay higher compensation when condemning farmland, based on agricultural value rather than just market price, to protect farm operations from government takings.

Unfavorable Report by Economic Matters
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Bill Summary · HB 81

Legislative bill overview

HB 81 would modify Maryland's eminent domain law to require higher compensation when agricultural or farm property is condemned by the government. The bill establishes enhanced valuation standards specifically for farmland takings, potentially requiring assessment of the property's agricultural productivity and long-term value rather than just current market value.

Why is this important

Eminent domain compensation directly affects farmers whose land may be needed for public projects like infrastructure, schools, or utilities. Current market-based compensation may undervalue productive farmland or not account for the loss of viable agricultural operations, potentially forcing farmers out of business even when technically "compensated." This bill attempts to preserve Maryland's agricultural sector by making government land acquisition more costly when targeting farm property.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to taxpayers and government projects: Enhanced compensation requirements will increase costs for infrastructure and public development projects, potentially delaying or canceling planned improvements
  • Valuation methodology disputes: Defining and calculating "agricultural productivity value" versus market value could create litigation and disagreement about what constitutes fair compensation
  • Economic development vs. preservation: Balancing farmland protection against Maryland's need for housing, commercial development, and infrastructure modernization in growing areas
  • Unequal treatment concerns: Creating different compensation rules for farm property versus other property types raises fairness questions for non-agricultural property owners

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

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