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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland requires Department of General Services to acquire Abandoned Sears Building in Silver Spring
Last action · February 11, 2026: Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsor: Will Smith
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland requires the Department of General Services to begin acquisition proceedings for the Abandoned Sears Building located at 11255 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring by December 31, 2026. The property is to be acquired for a public purpose through purchase or .
The measure mandates state intervention in a specific commercial property in Montgomery County, utilizing state acquisition powers to bring the site under public control by the end of 2026.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Department of General Services
The department is legally required to initiate acquisition proceedings for the Abandoned Sears Building by December 31, 2026.
Key Facts
- The Department of General Services must initiate proceedings to acquire the Abandoned Sears Building on or before December 31, 2026.
- The property is located at 11255 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20904.
- Acquisition must be carried out as quickly as practicable by purchase or condemnation in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
- The property must be acquired for a public purpose.
Show all 5 facts
- The Act takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What property is the state required to acquire?
By what deadline must the acquisition proceedings begin?
How can the Department acquire the property?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 11, 2026SenateHearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 6, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Budget and Taxation
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance40How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy25Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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