WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 6

State Department of Assessments and Taxation and Department of General Services - Property Appraisal Aids - Geographic Images

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kris Fair and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland authorizes use of aerial and satellite imagery to aid property tax appraisals, modernizing assessment tools but raising privacy and accuracy questions.

Hearing 3/27 at 1:00 p.m.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6

Legislative bill overview

HB 6 authorizes the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and Department of General Services to use geographic images (such as aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and other geospatial data) as aids in property appraisals. The bill streamlines the appraisal process by allowing these agencies to incorporate modern mapping and imaging technology to assess property values more accurately and efficiently.

Why is this important

Property appraisals directly affect property tax assessments, which impact homeowners' tax bills and municipal revenue. Modernizing appraisal tools can improve accuracy, reduce assessment disputes, and potentially make the appraisal process faster and less costly. However, the accuracy and fairness of these valuations depends heavily on how the technology is implemented and validated.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expanded use of aerial and satellite imagery raises questions about surveillance scope and whether property owners should be notified when their properties are being imaged for appraisal purposes
  • Accuracy and bias: Automated or algorithm-assisted appraisals using geographic data could perpetuate historical assessment biases or misvalue properties in understudied areas
  • Appeal rights: Unclear whether property owners maintain adequate opportunity to challenge appraisals made primarily on image-based assessments rather than in-person inspections

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

Sign in to ask a question.