City Council Hearing: Housing & Economic Development Committee; August 25, 2026

The City Council Hearing of the Housing & Economic Development Committee for Baltimore City on August 25, 2026, focused primarily on two key bills: the Community Health Food Access Act and the Rental Dwelling Health and Safety Act, followed by extensive discussion on the Tenant Possessions Recovery Act related to eviction procedures. The committee approved amendments and passed the first two bills, which aim to improve food access and strengthen rental licensing and enforcement, including the creation of a rental inspector licensing program and enhanced accountability for landlords. The Tenant Possessions Recovery Act was the main subject of public testimony, addressing the need for tenants to have a reclamation period to retrieve personal belongings after eviction, balancing tenant dignity with landlord concerns. The bill proposes a seven-business-day reclamation period with secure storage options, aiming to prevent loss of essential items and reduce illegal dumping. Various stakeholders, including landlords, tenants, legal advocates, and housing authorities, provided input on the bill's impact, enforcement challenges, and the need for clear, uniform eviction procedures. The committee emphasized the importance of due process, education, and collaboration with agencies to implement the bill effectively while considering public safety and operational logistics.