SB 23 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment

This bill creates Maryland's GREEN Loan Program, providing no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for solar panels, energy-efficient building upgrades (like new windows or HVAC systems), and related planning. Nonprofits must contribute 10% of project costs, with priority given to those with annual budgets under $1 million. The program is funded through state budget appropriations and transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center. Loans require repayment over time with deferred payment options, and must demonstrate long-term energy cost savings exceeding the loan's total cost.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Oct 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Governor

Introduced Oct 8, 2025 Last action Mar 25, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment → Third - Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to add a new section requiring the Center to hold, invest, reinvest, and account for the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Fund. This change clarifies the financial management responsibilities of the administering body, ensuring the fund is properly maintained and its earnings are reinvested to support the program's goals.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include specific mandates for the financial administration of the loan fund.

FISCAL

Added a requirement for the Center to hold, invest, reinvest, and account for the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Fund.

Added a requirement that interest earnings from the loan fund must be paid back into the same fund.

TECHNICAL

Removed redundant or conflicting language regarding the fund's nonlapsing status and interest handling to align with the new specific requirements.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 22, 2026

How they voted

32–13

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 49

Feb 22, 2026

D Democratic36

32 Yea 4

88% Yea

R Republican13

13 Nay

100% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2026

Committee

Referred Environment and Transportation Appropriations

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

upper

Feb 22, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (32-13-4)

senate

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

First Reading Budget and Taxation

upper

Oct 8, 2025

Introduced

Pre-filed

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors