Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that exempts current and former domestic partners from the recordation and transfer taxes applied to transfers of property.

Highlights:

- Defines "domestic partnership" as a relationship between two individuals who (Sec. 1):

- Are at least 18 years old; - Are not related to the other by blood or marriage; - Are not married or members of a civil union; - Agree to be in a partnership of mutual interdependence; and - Share a common residence where both partners live.

- Requires domestic partners to submit evidence of a domestic partnership to qualify for the exemption, including a signed affidavit under penalty of perjury by the two individuals and at least two documents establishing a domestic partnership, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

- Joint liability of the individuals for a mortgage or other loan; - The designation of one of the individuals as the primary beneficiary under a life insurance policy or will of the other person; - A durable power of attorney for health care or financial management by one of the individuals to the other; - Joint ownership or lease by the individuals of a motor vehicle; - Joint checking account, investments, or credit account; - Joint renters or homeowners insurance policy; or - Joint responsibility for childcare.

- Requires former domestic partners to submit evidence of the dissolution of a domestic partnership to qualify for the exemption, including a death certificate or a signed affidavit under penalty of perjury by the two individuals (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that exempts current and former domestic partners from the recordation and transfer taxes applied to transfers of property.

Highlights:

- Defines "domestic partnership" as a relationship between two individuals who (Sec. 1):

- Are at least 18 years old; - Are not related to the other by blood or marriage; - Are not married or members of a civil union; - Agree to be in a partnership of mutual interdependence; and - Share a common residence where both partners live.

- Requires domestic partners to submit evidence of a domestic partnership to qualify for the exemption, including a signed affidavit under penalty of perjury by the two individuals and at least two documents establishing a domestic partnership, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

- Joint liability of the individuals for a mortgage or other loan; - The designation of one of the individuals as the primary beneficiary under a life insurance policy or will of the other person; - A durable power of attorney for health care or financial management by one of the individuals to the other; - Joint ownership or lease by the individuals of a motor vehicle; - Joint checking account, investments, or credit account; - Joint renters or homeowners insurance policy; or - Joint responsibility for childcare.

- Requires former domestic partners to submit evidence of the dissolution of a domestic partnership to qualify for the exemption, including a death certificate or a signed affidavit under penalty of perjury by the two individuals (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text