Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB681: Baltimore City - Ordinance Enforcement - Fines and Penalties
Status: Signed into law, May 12, 2026
Removing the maximum amount that Baltimore City is authorized to establish for civil and criminal fines and penalties for violating certain ordinances, rules, or regulations.
What the bill says
An act concerning Baltimore City - Ordinance Enforcement - Amount of Fines and Penalties FOR the purpose of increasing removing the maximum amount that Baltimore City is authorized to establish for civil and criminal fines and penalties for violating certain ordinances, rules, or regulations; and generally relating to civil and criminal fines and penalties for the enforcement of ordinances, rules, or regulations in Baltimore City. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, The Charter of Baltimore City Article II - General Powers Section (48) (2007 Replacement Volume, as amended).
From the enrolled text, May 19, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Baltimore City - Ordinance Enforcement - Amount of Fines and Penalties FOR the purpose of increasing removing the maximum amount that Baltimore City is authorized to establish for civil and criminal fines and penalties for violating certain ordinances, rules, or regulations; and generally relating to civil and criminal fines and penalties for the enforcement of ordinances, rules, or regulations in Baltimore City. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, The Charter of Baltimore City Article II - General Powers Section (48) (2007 Replacement Volume, as amended) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: The Charter of Baltimore City Article II - General Powers The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore shall have full power and authority to exercise all of the powers heretofore or hereafter granted to it by the Constitution of Maryland or by any Public General or Public Local Laws of the State of Maryland; and in particular, without limitation upon the foregoing, shall have power by ordinance, or such other method as may be provided for in its Charter, subject to the provisions of said Constitution and Public General Laws: (48) To provide civil and criminal fines and penalties for the violation of any ordinance, rule or regulations established by the City under …