Public Policy REAL Advocacy for REALTORS® Check out GCAAR’s bi-monthly Legislative and Public Policy Report at www.gcaar.com for a full list of federal, state, and local legislation being reviewed by the Government Affairs Department.
Maryland
For additional information or to submit comments, email mdlegislative@gcaar.com.
Maryland General Assembly
On Capitol Hill
The 2013 General Assembly session ended on April 8, 2013. You can view all of the Bills reviewed by MAR’s Legislative Committee at MAR’s Government Affairs news section at www.mdrealtor.org.
NAR is working for you! Stay up to date on NAR’s political activity and access all CALLS FOR ACTION through NAR’s REALTOR® Action Center at http://www.realtoractioncenter.com.
2013 Legislative and Regulatory Priorities • Homeownership and real estate investment tax policies Continued focus on reducing the federal deficit has kept tax reform on top of the Congressional agenda. This debate places a variety of real estate tax laws such as the Mortgage Interest Deduction under increased scrutiny. • Credit and lending policies Overly stringent lending standards have continued to limit the availability of affordable mortgage financing for credit worthy consumers. Although the number of delinquencies and foreclosures has been reduced, they remain a significant concern. Federal policymakers are weighing a number of proposals aimed at creating healthier housing and mortgage markets.
Montgomery County
“Politically Speaking” with Councilmember Nancy Floreen Councilmember Nancy Floreen was GCAAR’s “Politically Speaking Series” guest in February. Councilmember Floreen served as Council President in 2010 and currently chairs the Council’s Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee. She gave attendees insights into the activities of the PHED Committee, including their review of the County’s Draft Housing Policy and Zoning Ordinance Rewrite. She also discussed the new accessory apartment legislation that went into effect recently.
14
2013 March - April
Montgomery County Legislation
For the most up to date information on Montgomery County legislation, visit the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov where you can access videos of hearings and worksessions. Bill 5-13, Property Tax Credit—Accessibility Features (Pending) Would provide a property tax credit for an accessibility feature installed on an existing residence. GCAAR submitted testimony in support of this legislation. Bill 41-12, Streets and Roads—Roadside Trees—Protections (Pending) Would require a permit and payment into a roadside tree replacement fund for certain activities affecting roadside trees. Bill 37–12, Housing - Capital Improvements Program - Affordable Housing Assessment (Enacted) Will require the Office of Management and Budget to submit an affordable housing assessment with certain capital projects proposed in the County Capital Improvements Program. Bill 35-12, Trees - Tree Canopy Conservation (Pending) Aims to maintain, establish and maximize tree canopy, as well as provide for mitigation when tree canopy is lost and disturbed.
• Business operations Protecting the business operations of our members is always a priority for NAR. • Commercial More than $1.2 trillion in commercial real estate loans will come due over the next few years, and many of these deals will have trouble getting financing. NAR supports consideration of legislation and regulations to protect and enhance the flow of capital to commercial real estate.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project Planners continue working on a BRT network to improve accessibility and mobility throughout Montgomery County. The project aims to be an innovative bus transit service with dedicated lanes that runs in an efficient and timely manner. Plans for the technologically advanced buses center around mitigating the County’s congestion problems and lessening the environmental impact of standard travel. The Montgomery County Planning Board is set approve a draft of the project in the Summer of the 2013, with a public hearing in mid-May. You can find additional details at http://www. montgomeryplanning.org.
Zoning Text Amendment 12-18, Exemptions— Pre-1928 Resubdivisions (Enacted) An amendment to provide an exemption from current zoning standards for pre-1928 property that resubdivide. L-R, Peg Mancuso, Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen, Elley Kott
Serving the Business Needs of OUR Professionals
Zoning Text Amendment 12-16, One Family Dwelling, Pre-1928 Lots (Enacted) Allows the construction or reconstruction of
Capital Area REALTOR®