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MarylandSB 02262026 Regular SessionSenate

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.

More flexible grants for heritage areas

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Authority can award grants and loans for planning, design, preservation, restoration, marketing, and programming in recognized or certified heritage areas. Recognized areas are eligible for grants to create management plans. The Authority sets the match and other terms, and awards depend on State budget funds. State grants for plans, acquisition or development, and interpretive programs may cover no more than 50% of project costs.

Simpler filing of heritage area maps

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Authority no longer sends boundary maps to county clerks. Maps stay on file with the Authority and are published as required. This reduces paperwork without changing any boundaries.

Stronger state support for heritage areas

Beginning October 1, 2026, State agencies must support certified heritage areas and work with their local management groups. Agencies coordinate tourism, planning, education, natural resources, transportation, property, and agriculture work as assigned. They follow approved management plans when practical and avoid harming historic resources unless no feasible alternative exists in required reviews. The Authority also provides technical help to groups carrying out these plans.

New members and quorum for Heritage Authority

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture and the State Superintendent of Schools join the Authority. One public member must have strong natural resource or climate resiliency experience. The required Greenways Commission seat is removed. Ten voting members now make a quorum, and actions need a majority. Members are unpaid but may be reimbursed for travel costs.

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: 149 • No: 30

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 30 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 124

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (105-30)

    4/10/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    4/8/2026House

  6. Hearing canceled (Government, Labor, and Elections)

    3/30/2026House

  7. Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m. (Government, Labor, and Elections)

    3/26/2026House

  8. Referred Economic Matters Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/13/2026House

  9. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/12/2026Senate

  10. Second Reading Passed

    2/10/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

  12. Favorable Report by Finance

    2/9/2026Senate

  13. Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.

    1/20/2026Senate

  14. First Reading Finance

    1/14/2026Senate

  15. Pre-filed

    9/16/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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