Ch. 661                               . 1994 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) A property tax credit granted under paragraph (l)(ii) of this subsection
shall be:

(i) the following percentage of the increase that is due to the
improvement:

1. 100% of the increase in the assessment of the real property
in the 1st and 2nd taxable years that the improved structure is subject to the county
property tax;

2. 80% of the increase in the assessment of the real property in
the 3rd taxable year that the: improved structure is subject to the county property tax;

3. 60% of the increase in the assessment of the real property in
the 4th taxable year that the improved structure is subject to the county property tax;

4. 40% of the increase in the assessment of the real property in
the 5th taxable year that the improved structure is subject to the county property tax; and

(ii) ended after the 5th taxable year that the improved structure is
subject to county property tax.

[(c) The governing body of Washington County may grant, by law, a property tax
credit under this section against the county property tax imposed on:

(1) personal property that is owned by Mid East Milk Lab Services,
Incorporated; and

(2) real property that is subject to the county's agricultural land
preservation program.]

EXPLANATION: Title 9, Subtitle 3 of the Tax—Property Article provides credit
against local property taxes for various entities. Some of these credits are
mandatory; others are discretionary whereby a decision to grant the credit lies
with the local governing body. Although there has been a trend in recent years
for the General Assembly to simply authorize a credit, many of the credits
under Title 9, Subtitle 3 of the Tax—Property Article are statutorily required.
Staff recommends that the mandatory credits be modified to grant the
respective local governing body discretion in providing the credits. For

consistency, § 9-106 of the Tax - Property Article, requiring a credit for

certain property owned by a local corporation affiliated with Ruritan
International, is modified to authorize a local governing body discretion in
providing the credit. Provisions in Title 9 of the Tax - Property Article are
reorganized to reflect proposed changes.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the explanation notes
contained in this Act are not law and may not be considered to have been enacted as part
of this Act. The explanation notes are included for information only.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1994.                                                       

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