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MarylandHB 15812026 Regular SessionHouse

Economic Development - Horse Racing Facilities, Prince George's County Blue Line Corridor Facilities, and Bus Rapid Transit - Alterations

Sponsored By: Barry Beauchamp (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Horse RacingGamingEconomic DevelopmentAnnotated Code of MarylandAppropriationsArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcBonds -see also- County & Baltimore City Bonds; State BondsBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsBuses -see also- School BusesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Commercial Rehabilitation -see also- EnterprZon; UrbRenCommittees and CommissionsCommunity DevelopmentComptrollerConstructionCorporations -see also- Municipal Corps; Public Corps & InstDisclosureEnterprise ZonesEthicsGrantsHorsesHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesHoward CountyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMass Transit -see also- Buses; RailroadsMontgomery CountyNonprofit OrganizationsNoticesPrince George's CountyPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HseRacingRailroadsRetail SalesRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Sports and RecreationStadium AuthorityTechnology -see also- AeroT; BioT; EnergyT; InfoT; MedT; etcTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcZoning and Planning

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

More rapid bus funding for two counties

The law creates a Bus Rapid Transit Fund for Montgomery and Howard Counties. The Governor provides $10 million in FY2026 and $12 million in FY2027 and every year after. Starting in FY2027, the State also pays yearly grants of $27 million to Montgomery County and $2 million to Howard County when money is deposited into the fund. Counties can use the money to design, build, equip, run, and pay debt on BRT projects. MDOT must sign multi‑year grant deals that last until county BRT bonds are fully paid and cannot add extra conditions. If a county uses the money to pay bond debt, it must pass an ordinance or resolution. A BRT must run at least partly in bus‑only lanes and use off‑board or other fast fare collection if it charges a fare.

Racing money: community share and backstop

Starting with the first full year at the rebuilt Pimlico, the operator must pay 10% of its annual net income to the Pimlico Community Development Authority. The 10% is figured after subtracting purse‑account contributions and any past losses carried forward. If the operator reports an annual operating loss, the State pays that loss from the Thoroughbred Purse Account on an Authority transmittal. The Purse Account is a special, nonlapsing fund, and most payouts need a Racing Commission transmittal (with listed exceptions for MEDCO and the Authority). Beginning in FY2028, $2 million a year from the Purse Account goes to the Title 10 corporation until its related debt matures. After June 30, 2026, the Comptroller deposits $29 million each year from remaining Lottery Fund money into the Racing and Community Development Financing Fund until racing bonds mature. Beginning in FY2027, the Comptroller also moves $5 million from the Purse Dedication Account, $3.5 million from local impact grants, and 80% of the Racetrack Facility Renewal Account amount for thoroughbred licensees into the State Lottery Fund each year.

Blue Line Corridor projects and debt cap

The law updates where the Blue Line Corridor can be set and which parcels qualify. It adds market halls, sports‑related sites, mixed‑use, tech centers, and parking as eligible projects. Starting in FY2027 and while corridor bonds are unpaid, the Comptroller deposits up to $29 million a year from the State Lottery Fund into the corridor fund. Total unpaid bond face amount for corridor projects is capped at $425 million unless the General Assembly allows more.

Backstretch housing upgrades at Laurel Park

For FY2028, the Governor provides $5 million for backstretch housing at Laurel Park. The Stadium Authority must use it to buy, build, fix, and equip the housing. This funding targets racetrack workers who live on the backstretch.

Maryland Sports office and event foundations

The law creates a Maryland Sports office inside the Stadium Authority. The Authority may set up affiliated nonprofit foundations to recruit and promote events, get sponsors, and do research. The Authority may grant up to $500,000 a year in its nonbudgeted money to these foundations after budget committee review. Foundations are not state agencies. The Attorney General and State Ethics Commission review policies, and each foundation gets an annual independent CPA audit.

New rules to run Pimlico racing

The Maryland Stadium Authority takes over racetrack duties and assets within 45 days of the law taking effect. The racetrack operator must be a Maryland not‑for‑profit and pay for a full‑time auditor. The long‑term deal must keep the Preakness at Pimlico after the rebuild and require first‑class operations and coordination on parking and transport. Only the Maryland Jockey Club or an Authority‑named successor can hold a mile‑track license. The Preakness can move only for a disaster, emergency, or during reconstruction, and only with Authority approval. If racing becomes illegal or not commercially viable due to a law change, the parties must give 180 days’ notice and a community‑input wind‑down plan; the Authority can decide disputes or send them to the Office of Administrative Hearings.

When these changes take effect

Most of the law takes effect July 1, 2026. Sections 2 and 3 take effect July 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Barry Beauchamp

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

  • Andrea Fletcher Harrison

    Democratic • House

  • Julian Ivey

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Emily Shetty

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Toles

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 244 • No: 64

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 103 • No: 33 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 94 • No: 31 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 376

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (103-33)

    4/13/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {833521/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Budget and Taxation

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (94-31)

    3/21/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {983027/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    3/20/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/13/2026House

  16. First Reading Appropriations

    2/13/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/13/2026

    PDF

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