HB 1276 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

West North Avenue Development Authority - Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Program - Establishment (WNADA Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Act)

HB 1276 establishes the Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Program within Baltimore City's West North Avenue Development Authority. The program provides technical support and grants to local organizations (like community development corporations, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits) serving the West North Avenue corridor (between the 600 and 3200 blocks) to fund specific community activities. Grants support social gatherings (block parties, festivals), outreach initiatives, volunteer stipends, green space projects, and training for community organizers. The Authority must report annually on grant activities and compile program evaluations by 2029 to create a neighborhood development template.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Signed May 12, 2026
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What changed between versions

First - West North Avenue Development Authority - Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Program - Establishment (WNADA Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Act) Third - West North Avenue Development Authority - Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Program - Establishment (WNADA Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Act) · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to add new powers for the West North Avenue Development Authority, including the ability to use specific funds to remove blighted properties and to award grants for social gatherings and outreach. The annual grant funding limit was reduced from $500,000 to $150,000, and the definition of the 'Fund' was updated to explicitly include the Development Authority as a partner in property removal efforts.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include blight removal activities and specific grant categories for social events and community outreach, while the funding ceiling for these grants was lowered.
SCOPE

Added authority for the Development Authority to use funds to remove blighted properties in conjunction with state and city agencies.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded eligible grant uses to include social gatherings (e.g., block parties, festivals) and outreach initiatives (e.g., newsletters, digital content).

FISCAL

Reduced the maximum annual amount the Authority may set aside for grants from $500,000 to $150,000.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of the 'Continuing the CORE Partnership Fund' to explicitly list the West North Avenue Development Authority as a partner in blight removal.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 25, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 8, 2026

How they voted

470
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 49
Mar 25, 2026
D Democratic36
34 Yea 2
94% Yea
R Republican13
13 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
10
Committee
6
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 388
executive
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Returned Passed
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Finance
upper
Mar 25, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (47-0-2)
senate
Mar 23, 2026
Committee
Referred Finance
upper
Mar 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Mar 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Mar 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
lower
Mar 8, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (126-7-9)
house of delegates
Feb 12, 2026
Committee
First Reading Economic Matters
lower
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors