Posted on 07/01/24
| News Source: WBAL TV
Baltimore, MD - July 1, 2024 - Several new laws are set to take effect in Maryland on Monday, some of which include increases in fees.
One of the major changes Marylanders will notice is an increase in vehicle registration fees. For the typical passenger car, an annual registration fee will be about $110.50 and a biannual fee will be around $221 — that's a more than 60% increase over the previous fees.
"I think the vehicle registration fees are just stealing from people because that's something that people are forced to pay for," said Diamond-Ariya Mazie, a Baltimore resident. "Doubling it is not good, (especially) close to August and the time that people typically do register for their vehicles to renew."
"If the increase is going to happen, it's not because we don't need it," said Regina Belin, who has lived in Baltimore all her life. "They're not trying to take anything away from us. It's to help the state of Maryland, not Baltimore City. We need it."
Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer has previously said the fee increase will provide "critical" funds for the Transportation Trust Fund, which helps maintain the state's infrastructure. The fee also includes a health care service surcharge that will benefit Maryland Trauma Centers, including Medevac services and training.
Fees will also increase for electric vehicle owners who will now have to pay a $250 biannual surcharge to offset the number of vehicles that don't have to pay the state's gas tax at the pump.
Another increase coming July 1 will be on the sales tax of cigarettes, tobacco products and electronic smoking devices.
Vaping will also no longer be allowed inside public places, public transportation or workplaces.
"I think that's a no-brainer. I mean, smoking's bad for you, vaping's bad for you," said Nick Schauman, who has lived in Baltimore all his life. "I can't believe it took this long to, like, make it a thing where you can't vape inside. So, I think it's probably a good idea."
WBAL-TV 11 News has previously reported the budget battle between the Maryland House and Senate over how to balance the state's budget.
The Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program will also take effect July 1. The program is named after LaPere, who was killed in Baltimore in 2023. It will provide grants for technology-based startup companies founded by students of post-secondary institutions.