Maryland House Bill HB865

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25
• Report Pass: 3/10/25
• Engrossed: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Report Pass: 4/7/25
• Enrolled: 4/7/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25
• Passed: 5/13/25

Caption

Catastrophic Event Account - Transfer of Funds - State Disaster Recovery Fund

Impact

By enacting HB 865, Maryland's laws concerning disaster financial assistance will become more responsive. The bill reduces the prior requirement for a lengthy review period by the Legislative Policy Committee from 15 days to just 5 days under certain circumstances. This change is expected to expedite fund transfers when immediate action is required, ensuring that state and local governments can respond without undue delay to disasters, helping communities recover more swiftly from emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 865 aims to enhance the coordination and efficiency of disaster recovery funding by allowing the transfer of funds from the Catastrophic Event Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund. This legislation is particularly significant because it alters the procedures and timelines related to how quickly state resources can be mobilized in response to defined catastrophic situations, especially natural disasters or federal government shutdowns. Essentially, this bill aims to streamline the process for accessing necessary funds to facilitate faster disaster relief, which is crucial for effective response and recovery efforts in impacted areas.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 865 has been largely supportive among legislators who recognize the importance of timely disaster response. Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary advancement towards effective state disaster management, especially in light of increasing frequency and severity of catastrophic events. However, there are also voices that caution about potential misuse of expedited funds and emphasize the need for sufficient oversight to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and effectively.

Contention

One point of contention regarding the bill has been the balance between rapid access to funds and financial oversight. While supporters emphasize the urgency in disaster recovery, opponents warn that reducing the review time may lead to hastily made decisions that could compromise the responsible use of taxpayer funds. The debate highlighted the tension between ensuring quick recovery for affected communities and maintaining accountability in financial management.