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MarylandHB 04612026 Regular SessionHouse

Economic Development - Rural Readiness Program and Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund - Establishment

Sponsored By: Natalie Ziegler (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Economic DevelopmentApplicants and ApplicationsBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsCertificationsCivil Rights and Social EquityCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsCommunity DevelopmentDisparityEnergy Technology and InfrastructureGrantsHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Housing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesInterestIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Internet AccessPlans and ProposalsProcurementReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rural AreasStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcTreasurersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.Zoning and Planning

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New rural Maryland planning grants, with limits

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the state creates a dedicated, nonlapsing Fund for rural planning grants run by the Rural Maryland Council. To apply, your organization must complete the Rural Readiness Program. Awards are competitive, and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Board gives priority to multi‑jurisdiction and multi‑sector projects. Each grant is up to $50,000, and you must show at least a 20% match. Grants can pay for rural planning and investment‑readiness in housing, broadband, energy, transportation, health, infrastructure, economic development, and workforce. Grants cannot pay salaries or benefits, for‑profit operations, buy or lease property, or work outside rural areas.

Rural Maryland groups get training, priority

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Rural Maryland Council runs the Rural Readiness Program. Eligible groups include nonprofits, local governments, State‑recognized tribes, Maryland colleges, regional planning agencies, and economic or workforce groups. State government entities cannot apply. The Council sets assessments, toolkits, and rules; applicants must meet these to participate. If you finish the program, you get priority for three state grant funds: the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund, the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, and the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund. You need a completion certificate to get this priority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Christopher T. Adams

    Republican • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Kris Fair

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Jefferson L. Ghrist

    Republican • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Kenneth Kerr

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • Lily Qi

    Democratic • House

  • Pam Queen

    Democratic • House

  • Sheree Sample-Hughes

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 6 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 543

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    3/13/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (127-6)

    3/12/2026House

  8. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/11/2026House

  9. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    3/10/2026House

  10. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  11. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/23/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

    PDF

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