MVA keeps branch hours after supplemental funds; emissions testing changes reduce fee revenue

Legislators pressed Motor Vehicle Administration officials on a package of branch‑office and regulatory changes that affect customer service and revenue.

What changed for FY25: the governor’s supplemental budget included about $2.4 million to keep two limited‑service branch offices open (Walnut Hill and Loch Raven/Parkville) and to maintain Saturday hours and extended Thursday hours for branches for fiscal 2025 only. DLS analyst Carrie Cook said those branch closures and hour reductions were part of earlier proposed operational reductions; the supplemental dollars reversed the planned permanent closures for the year.

Emissions testing and revenue impact: Cook reviewed proposed vehicle emissions modernization regulations (developed with MDE) that extend the exemption period for many new vehicles from three to six years. DLS estimated a net revenue loss of about $3.1 million in FY25 from fewer test fees (the emissions program’s total FY25 revenue was estimated at about $37.7 million). MVA Administrator Chrissy Neiser said MVA is proceeding with implementation, customer education, and operational adjustments and noted the reduced testing volume produces some expenditure savings.

Appointments, kiosks and customer metrics: Neiser said MVA’s Customer Connect online system now supports roughly 60 transactions and credited plain‑language changes to the learner‑permit materials with a 15% increase in first‑time pass rates. She explained the hiring freeze proposal exempts front‑line staff and that appointments and kiosk strategies have smoothed demand, though senators suggested evaluating additional demand‑management incentives.

Next steps: regulators must complete rulemaking and MVA will provide follow‑up data on branch utilization and the long‑term viability of maintaining branch hours if one‑time funds are not repeated in future budgets.