Maryland SB172 repeals trust requirements for Methodist Church assets and disaffiliation provisions.

Maryland SB172 repeals the requirement that Methodist Church assets be held in trust for the United Methodist Church and removes provisions that exclude local churches from Methodist responsibilities if they disaffiliate. The bill allows local churches to retain ownership of their property if they choose to disaffiliate, subject to a reimbursement requirement for financial investments made by the United Methodist Conference. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Maryland SB172 repeals trust requirements for Methodist Church assets and disaffiliation provisions.

Maryland SB172 repeals the requirement that Methodist Church assets be held in trust for the United Methodist Church and removes provisions that exclude local churches from Methodist responsibilities if they disaffiliate. The bill allows local churches to retain ownership of their property if they choose to disaffiliate, subject to a reimbursement requirement for financial investments made by the United Methodist Conference. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.