With the introduction of Governor Moore’s three-bill package of housing legislation in the 2026 session of the Maryland General Assembly [GA], a Joint Housing Committee [JHC] has been established to try to provide residents with objective, timely, and non-partisan information about the measures.
The JHC will briefly describe the Governor’s bills, track amendments, monitor House and Senate committee hearings and votes, and summarize pro and con arguments. The initial focus will be on HB239 and SB36, which are the most controversial and will have the most impact on local housing. The next newsletter will carry a short summary of these companion bills. The JHC will provide information on related bills as needed.
The JHC as such will not take a position on any of the bills. Its primary purpose is to give residents accurate information that will enable them to form their own opinions about the proposed legislation and to decide for themselves whether to express their views to state delegates and senators.
The JHC includes representatives from the Parkwood Residents Association [PRA], the Kensington Estates Civic Association [KECA], the Byeforde/Rock Creek Highlands Citizens Association [B/RCHCA], the Town of Chevy Chase View [CCV], and the Town of Kensington [ToK]. In addition to working with the JHC to analyze the housing proposals, each of these associations or towns may take their own separate, formal position on the legislation and communicate that to the General Assembly. CCV and the ToK have, in fact, submitted a letter signed by ten other municipalities to the General Assembly . Additional statements, as well as competing bills, may be considered as this legislation moves through the GA.
Time is short. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn April 13. The House Committee with jurisdiction has already held a hearing [February 12] on HB239, and the Senate committee scheduled a hearing on SB36 for Tuesday, February 17. The JHC will provide summaries and links to these hearings when available.
Parkwood Residents Association 
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing this with us. Very helpful!