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SB 661

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey and 10 co-sponsors

SB 661 requires Maryland to pay enhanced compensation beyond fair market value when condemning agricultural or farm property through eminent domain.

Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 661

Legislative bill overview

SB 661 modifies Maryland's eminent domain law to provide enhanced compensation when agricultural or farm property is condemned by the government. The bill establishes additional payment requirements beyond fair market value for landowners whose farms or agricultural operations are seized through eminent domain proceedings.

Why is this important

Eminent domain allows governments to take private property for public use, but compensation disputes are common and often leave agricultural operators significantly disadvantaged. Enhanced compensation protections could affect how state and local agencies plan infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, or development while potentially increasing project costs and timelines.

Potential points of contention

  • Project cost increases: Enhanced compensation requirements could substantially raise the price of public works projects, potentially affecting transportation, utility, and conservation initiatives
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's definitions of "farm" and "agricultural property" may be unclear, creating disputes over which properties qualify for enhanced protections
  • Scope of compensation: The specific compensation mechanisms (whether multipliers of fair market value, lost income calculations, or relocation costs) and their interaction with existing Maryland law require clarification

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

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