MarylandSB 08182026 Regular SessionSenate

State Center - Development - Contract, Plan Requirements, and Advisory Group

Sponsored By: Antonio Hayes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Economic DevelopmentState ProcurementAdministrative AgenciesBaltimore CityBoundariesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsCommunity DevelopmentCommunity Facilities and ServicesCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.ConstructionContracts -see also- ProcurementDisclosureFederal GovernmentJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMinoritiesPlanning, Department ofPlans and ProposalsPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HsePublic InformationReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Women -see also- GenderWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Neighbors gain ongoing State Center input

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland must convene an Advisory Group for Baltimore's 28-acre State Center property. It includes representatives of major service institutions, named neighborhood and civic organizations, and a local faith-based organization. The State and developers must engage with the group throughout planning and development and share updates on public approvals. Members elect a chair, adopt conflict-of-interest rules, and provide disclosures; neighborhood representatives employed by major service institutions must represent only neighborhood interests. The group can require a replacement to resolve conflicts, and its ongoing input does not control final decisions.

State Center plans must address neighborhood needs

Beginning October 1, 2026, new or changed State Center contracts and plans must include neighborhood amenities where possible. These include major tenants providing public or community services, plus space for housing, shops, offices, restaurants, and other businesses. Plans must also include a high-quality, full-service grocery store, green space, and links to surrounding neighborhoods where possible. The law does not guarantee every feature. It also removes parking facilities from the list of required elements.

Local hiring goals for State Center

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland cannot enter new or changed State Center development contracts or plans without required community protections. These include an enforceable community benefits agreement and local hiring goals for construction jobs, long-term jobs, and training. Plans must also set goals for using minority-owned, women-owned, and locally owned businesses. These requirements must follow federal law and public funding rules. The goals do not guarantee anyone a job or business contract.

State Center developers get more start time

Beginning October 1, 2026, developers under new State Center contracts or plans get a longer construction-start window. They must use best practical efforts to start within 24 months after signing the new contract and related plans. The prior window was 18 months. This gives developers more time but weakens the earlier-start requirement for nearby communities. It does not guarantee a construction start.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Antonio Hayes
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 7

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 7 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/20/2026