MarylandHB 06542026 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher funding cap for heritage projects

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland raises a heritage funding transfer cap from $3 million to $9 million. This money comes from the State’s share of recreation and open-space funds. A separate transfer of up to $3 million remains available. Transfers require approval through the State budget or a budget amendment and must support the Heritage Areas Authority Financing Fund’s purposes. The higher cap does not guarantee funding.

Heritage management projects lose funding eligibility

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority cannot award grants or loans for standalone certified heritage area management projects. Grants to develop management plans in recognized heritage areas remain allowed. Awards must be authorized in the State budget and follow the Authority’s terms.

Preservation grants lose one funding source

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law ends one funding route for Maryland Historical Trust grants that do not fund construction or property purchases. Previously, up to $300,000 could come from Program Open Space funds transferred to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. This removes that funding source, not the Trust or all its preservation grant programs.

Flexible heritage grants with possible matching

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law removes statutory grant limits for management plans, property purchases or development, and interpretation or revitalization projects. This includes the 50% cost limit for management-plan grants. Property purchase and development grants no longer must follow an approved certified heritage area management plan. The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority can require grant or loan applicants to provide matching money and sets their share. Local governments and other applicants gain funding flexibility but may need to contribute money.

New limits on heritage agency overhead

Beginning July 1, 2026, the operating-cost limit changes for Program Open Space money transferred to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. The old limit was 10% of transferred funds. The new limit is 7% or $600,000, whichever is greater. Depending on the transfer amount, this allows more or less operating spending and changes what remains for other Authority uses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Dylan Behler
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Nick Allen
Democratic • House
Michele Guyton
Democratic • House
Jim Hinebaugh
Republican • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Robbyn Lewis
Democratic • House
Darrell Odom
Democratic • House
Dana Stein
Democratic • House
Todd B. Morgan
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 9

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/9/2026