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MarylandSB 06382026 Regular SessionSenate

Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants

Sponsored By: Paul D. Corderman (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyCommittees and CommissionsFinancial Institutions -see also- Banks; Credit Unions; etc.GrantsHistorical Matters -see also- Archives; Monumts; Museum; etcLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFANatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Program Open SpaceRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

One-time $340,000 for planning costs

For fiscal year 2026 only, an extra $340,000 of Program Open Space funds may pay Department of Planning operating costs. This is a one-time allowance tied to funds transferred to the Authority.

More funding and tighter operating caps

Beginning July 31, 2026, the State may move up to an extra $9 million a year of Program Open Space funds into the Heritage Areas Financing Fund, if approved in the State budget. Less of each transfer can pay the Authority’s operating costs: up to 7% of the transfer or $600,000, whichever is greater. This replaces the prior 10% limit. The rest stays available for projects and debt service.

More heritage grants with match rules

Beginning July 31, 2026, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority can fund more types of work in certified heritage areas. It can pay for planning, design, buying land, development, preservation, marketing, programs, and management. It can also fund management plans and reinvestment projects. The old 50% grant cap is gone, so the Authority may cover more than half of a project. The Authority may require applicants to provide matching money in any share it sets. Acquisition and development grants must follow the approved management plan. All awards still depend on the State budget and Authority rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Paul D. Corderman

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Senate

  • Jack Bailey

    Republican • Senate

  • William G. Folden

    Republican • Senate

  • Jason C. Gallion

    Republican • Senate

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • J.B. Jennings

    Republican • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cory V. McCray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

  • Craig J. Zucker

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 206 • No: 10

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 10 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 277

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (39-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (122-10)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Motion Special Order until Next Session (Delegate Edelson) Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments {883024/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

  10. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  11. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/9/2026House

  12. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/6/2026Senate

  13. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments {663224/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/2/2026Senate

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

    2/5/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    2/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/5/2026

    PDF

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