Maryland Lawmakers Propose Tax Shield for ICE Facility Costs
A new state bill seeks to let Howard County levy special taxes on a private detention facility owner to prevent local residents from paying for increased police and utility expenses.
By Aiko Lombardi ·
State Senator Clarence Lam has introduced a bill that would give Howard County the power to levy special property and transfer taxes on a private detention facility. The measure, designated as Howard County Bill 1-27, targets properties leased for use as ICE detention centers. It is designed to cover operational costs such as an increased police presence and higher utility usage.
The legislation responds to a private company named Genesis, which received a permit to build a facility on Meadow Ridge Road in Howard County. Local residents have voiced strong opposition to the project since the permit was granted. A recent court ruling in favor of Genesis has forced local leaders to seek new legal tools to address the financial impact on the community.
Lam stated that the county never sought the facility. He argued that residents should not be responsible for the expenses associated with its operation. The bill allows the county council to set tax rates specifically for the property owner of any lease used for private detention.
While the bill is drafted with the Meadow Ridge Road project in mind, Lam noted that it is not limited to that single site. The legislation could apply to any future private detention projects within Howard County. The goal is to ensure that the financial burden falls on the entity operating the facility rather than the general taxpayer base.
Source: WMAR-TV
