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HB 1201

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2026 Regular Session Introduced by Connie Lane and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1201 raises VEIP exemption mileage to 10,000 miles/year for vehicles of disabled individuals or seniors 70+, with required certification.

Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0269h
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Bill Summary · HB 1201

Summary — HB 1201

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program – Exemptions – Individuals With Disabilities and Older Drivers

Purpose

HB 1201 increases the allowable annual mileage threshold for two existing exemptions from Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). The change is intended to expand eligibility for inspection waivers for (1) vehicles registered to persons with a qualifying disability and (2) vehicles owned by individuals aged 70 or older.

Key provisions

  • Amends Transportation Article §23–206.2(a)–(b) to change the mileage limit for the disability-plate and senior-owner VEIP exemptions from 5,000 miles per year to 10,000 miles per year.
  • Requires owners seeking the exemption to certify, on an MVA-provided form, that they meet the age or disability criteria, provide the vehicle’s odometer reading at the time of certification, and (for disability plate holders) confirm the vehicle has special disabled registration plates.
  • Maintains that exemptions do not apply if prohibited by federal law.

Eligibility & requirements

  • Disability exemption: vehicle registered with special disabled person’s plate; all owners must meet statutory disability requirements; vehicle driven 10,000 miles or less annually; certification required.
  • Senior exemption: all owners must be at least 70 years old at time of scheduled inspection; vehicle driven 10,000 miles or less annually; certification required.

Fiscal impact (per Department of Legislative Services fiscal note)

  • Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) revenue decrease: approximately $1.8 million in FY 2026 and about $2.4 million annually in subsequent years.
  • Assumptions: $14 full-service VEIP fee, October 1, 2025 effective date (so partial FY26 effect), MVA projects many additional vehicles become eligible but estimates that ~60% of eligible owners will apply for waivers; analysis assumes ~128,828 vehicles exempt in FY2026 and ~171,771 in later years.
  • TTF expenditures: not materially affected.
  • Local government fiscal effect: none. Small business: potential minimal impact.
  • Note: Analysis does not include possible losses of late-fee revenues (late fee is $15).

Administrative/regulatory effects

  • MVA will use a certification form for exemptions; MVA and the Maryland Department of the Environment retain regulatory authority to implement VEIP provisions consistent with state and federal law.
  • Effective date specified in the bill: October 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Maryland vehicle owners who hold special disability registration plates and vehicle owners aged 70+ whose vehicles are driven ≤10,000 miles/year.
  • Secondary: VEIP stations and MVA revenue streams (reduced inspection fee revenue).

Procedural status / timeline

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024.
  • Assigned to: Environment and Transportation Committee; hearing scheduled February 27, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Bill text amends Transportation Article §23–206.2; effective October 1, 2025 (if enacted).

Notes / uncertainties

  • Actual revenue impact depends on owner take-up rate, whether owners would have used kiosks ($10 fee) rather than full-service stations ($14), and any changes in late-fee collections.
  • Exemptions remain subject to any applicable federal requirements or prohibitions.

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

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