Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB1436

Introduced

2/13/26

Refer

2/13/26

Caption

Office of the Attorney General - Federal- and State-Assisted Housing Programs - Grievance Process

Impact

The implementation of HB 1436 is expected to strengthen tenant protections by creating a formal mechanism for clients to report grievances. This legislation aims to hold housing providers accountable for their actions and ensure that clients receive timely resolutions to their complaints. The requirement for housing providers to inform clients about the grievance process further enhances transparency and client awareness. Additionally, the bill calls for the Office of the Attorney General to assist legal service providers in cases arising from these grievances, likely improving access to legal aid for affected individuals.

Summary

House Bill 1436 is focused on establishing a grievance process for clients involved in federal and state-assisted housing programs. The bill mandates the Office of the Attorney General to investigate grievances filed by clients against providers of these programs. This includes mediation between aggrieved clients and housing providers, ensuring that issues related to lease violations or poor housing conditions are actively addressed. The bill specifies that clients have the right to file grievances and outlines the procedural responsibilities of the Attorney General's Office in processing these complaints.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1436 may arise due to concerns about the sufficiency of the grievance process and the potential consequences for providers. Proponents argue that it empowers clients, while opponents might fear that it could lead to excessive litigation or burdens on providers. The bill's requirement for providers to take action in resolving grievances could lead to disputes about compliance and the nature of legal remedial actions necessary. Such contention could manifest in discussions regarding the balance of tenant rights versus the operational flexibility of housing providers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD HB1436

Office of the Attorney General - Federal- and State-Assisted Housing Programs - Grievance Process

MD HB1036

Office of the Attorney General - Independent Investigations Division - Federal Law Enforcement or Immigration Enforcement

MD SB683

Catastrophic Event Account and Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund, Protection of Federal Benefits, and Powers of the Attorney General - Alterations (Protect Our Federal Workers Act)

MD HB697

Health Insurance - Artificial Intelligence, Adverse Decisions, and Grievances - Reporting Requirements

MD SB343

State's Attorneys - Reconstitution of Task Force to Study Transparency Standards for State's Attorneys

MD HB716

Housing and Community Development - Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program Eligibility - Alterations

MD SB367

Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Supportive Housing and Health Services

MD SB1047

Election Law - State Elected Officials - Fundraising Activities During General Assembly Session

MD HB1538

Land Use - Accessory Dwelling Units - Requirements and Prohibitions (Maryland Generational Housing Act of 2026)

MD HB1085

Maryland Office of the Inspector General - Establishment (Maryland Government Efficiency and Accountability Act of 2026)

Similar Bills

TX SB813

Relating to the creation of grievance boards with concurrent jurisdiction over certain appeals involving the administration of public education.

TX HB4292

Relating to appeals regarding school laws and a school district's grievance procedure regarding complaints concerning violation of state education law or school district board of trustees policy.

TX SB1565

Relating to a school district's grievance procedure and to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction and diversity, equity, and inclusion duties and the loss of funding for public schools that fail to comply with those provisions.