Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs - Indian Heritage and Culture Grant Program and Fund

HB 794 establishes the Indian Heritage and Culture Grant Program and Fund to preserve tribal history and culture in Maryland. The program provides grants to Maryland-recognized tribes and nonprofit organizations or government entities working with these tribes to support projects like acquiring land, building facilities, or preserving historic sites related to Indian heritage. The fund, which is a special non-lapsing account, receives $500,000 annually from the state budget plus interest earnings, and is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust. This bill directly affects tribal communities and cultural preservation efforts by creating dedicated state funding for these activities.