MarylandHB 06542026 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Dedicated fund for heritage projects

The law creates a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Financing Fund. It is a nonlapsing, revolving account, and the State Treasurer invests it; all earnings stay in the Fund. Bond proceeds, program revenues, and authorized gifts go into the Fund. The Authority may pledge Fund receipts to pay bond debt and borrowing costs. The Authority pays its expenses from the Fund. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

More Open Space money for heritage fund

Up to $3 million of Program Open Space distributions may be moved to the heritage areas Financing Fund by budget action. In addition, up to $9 million more of the State’s share may be transferred to the Fund by appropriation or budget amendment. Up to $300,000 of a transferred amount may go to the Maryland Historical Trust as noncapital historic preservation grants. These transfer options are available beginning July 1, 2026.

New grants and rules for heritage areas

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority now gives grants and loans to local governments and groups in certified or recognized heritage areas. Money can pay for planning, design, land or building work, preservation, exhibits, marketing, programming, and management. Grants for management plans, program exhibits, and acquisition or development can cover up to 50% of project costs. The Authority may require a local match and limits acquisition and development money to work in the approved management plan. The Authority and other State agencies also provide technical help to groups running these areas, starting July 1, 2026.

Rules for using Program Open Space money

For Program Open Space funds sent to the Authority, up to the greater of 7% or $600,000 may pay its operating costs. Up to 50% of those funds may pay debt service on Authority bonds. For fiscal year 2026 only, an extra $340,000 may pay Department of Planning operating costs. These limits apply to Program Open Space dollars transferred to the Authority.

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

House vote • 4/9/2026