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HB 909

Sales and Use Tax - Cut Flowers - Exemption

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stuart Schmidt

Maryland bill exempts cut flowers from sales tax, eliminating state revenue while raising questions about tax policy priorities for non-essential goods.

Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 909

Legislative bill overview

HB 909 proposes to exempt cut flowers from Maryland's sales and use tax. This would allow consumers to purchase fresh cut flowers without paying the standard state sales tax, similar to exemptions already in place for groceries and other essential items in many states.

Why is this important

Sales tax exemptions reduce revenue for state budgets and shift costs to other taxpayers or services. The fiscal impact determines whether this is a minor adjustment or meaningful budget consideration. This also raises broader questions about which products deserve tax-exempt status and the consistency of tax policy across similar goods.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Removing sales tax on cut flowers reduces state revenue, requiring either budget cuts elsewhere or higher taxes on other items
  • Definitional complexity: Determining what qualifies as "cut flowers" versus decorative plants, arrangements, or floral services could create enforcement challenges
  • Equity concerns: Cut flowers are luxury/discretionary items, not necessities, making exemption less defensible than food or medicine exemptions that exist in other states

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

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