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MarylandHB 02382026 Regular SessionHouse

Maryland Heritage Area Authority and Heritage Areas - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Financial InstitutionsState Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsAgriculture, Department ofAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Art, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcBoundariesEducation, State Department ofEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutGrantsHistorical Matters -see also- Archives; Monumts; Museum; etcLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFAMaps and ChartsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Plans and ProposalsPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Simpler handling of heritage area maps

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Authority no longer has to file each boundary map with county clerks. This removes an extra paperwork step for the state and counties.

State agencies must back heritage areas

Beginning October 1, 2026, state officials must support planning, development, and education work in certified heritage areas. Agencies must consult and coordinate with the local management entity and follow the approved plan when practical. During historic‑preservation reviews, they must avoid harming historic or cultural resources unless no prudent and feasible alternative exists.

Heritage Area Authority adds members, higher quorum

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture and the State Superintendent of Schools join the Authority. One public appointee must have strong natural resource or climate resiliency expertise. The quorum to vote rises from nine to ten voting members. The first new public member serves the rest of the Maryland Greenways Commission member’s term until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

More grants and new loans for heritage areas

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Authority can make loans and give more types of grants for heritage projects. Recognized heritage areas qualify for plan grant help, and grants can fund plans and revitalization work. The law removes old 50% caps on some grants. The Authority can set any matching share it thinks fit, which could raise local match costs. Awards follow the State budget and the Authority’s rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 148 • No: 30

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 103 • No: 30 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 123

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (103-30)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/17/2026House

  9. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    3/16/2026House

  10. Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)

    1/19/2026House

  11. First Reading Economic Matters and Government, Labor, and Elections

    1/14/2026House

  12. Pre-filed

    9/16/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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