SB 763 establishes the Maryland Growth Initiative within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support early-stage companies transitioning from startup development to scaling. It creates a dedicated $5 million annual fund from state budget appropriations (reinforced by interest earnings and private investment) to provide post-seed funding, helping qualifying companies grow in Maryland without relocating. The initiative must prioritize companies that previously received funding from the corporation or are minority-owned businesses, while maintaining a curated list of eligible firms between startup and scaling phases. The fund operates as a non-lapsing account, with all interest earnings automatically added back to the fund.
HB 898, the DECADE Act, reorganizes Maryland's economic development programs to streamline administration and expand incentives. It redesignates the Economic Development Opportunities Program Account as the "Strategic Closing Fund" under the Department of Commerce, alters eligibility and calculation rules for tax credits (including Job Creation, R&D, and film production credits), and extends the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program. The bill allows pass-through entities to allocate tax credits to members and removes limits on film production tax credit certificates. These changes directly affect businesses, investors, and film producers seeking state economic development incentives.
SB 606 requires the Maryland Transportation Authority to analyze unused E-ZPass commuter trips from 2023-2025 and submit a report by September 2026. The report must include data on unused trips (numbers, costs, demographics) and recommend solutions like extending usage windows or offering rollovers to reduce forfeited funds. It also mandates a corrective action plan if over 25% of discount plans had unused trips during those years. The bill directly affects E-ZPass commuters, particularly low-income residents and those in communities with limited banking access, by addressing financial losses from unused prepaid trips. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2027.
HB 1176 sets a minimum funding requirement for Howard County's public schools by prohibiting the County Executive from submitting or the County Council from approving a budget that allocates less than 58% of the county's general fund revenue to the Board of Education. The bill directly affects Howard County's annual budget process for public education funding. Key provisions require the budget to meet this 58% threshold unless the school board specifically requests a lower amount, in which case the budget must approve that requested level. This amends Maryland's education code to establish this specific minimum funding rule for Howard County.
HB 896 establishes a permanent "National Guard State Active Duty Mobilization Fund" within Maryland's Military Department to cover costs for National Guard personnel and equipment during state active duty deployments ordered by the Governor. The fund, administered by the Adjutant General, is separate from regular state budget appropriations and must be replenished to maintain readiness for future mobilizations. It supplements - rather than replaces - existing funding for National Guard state duty, with investment earnings credited to the state's general fund. This bill directly affects the National Guard's ability to mobilize efficiently during state emergencies or operations.
HB 1422 requires Maryland state agencies receiving at least $2 billion annually in state and federal funds to appoint chief financial officers (CFOs) meeting specific qualifications, such as being a certified public accountant with five years of fiscal management experience or holding a relevant master's degree with three years of experience. These CFOs must submit detailed annual financial reports to the Office of the Comptroller, including certification of accuracy and documentation linking federal funds to specific programs. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Budget to grant pay plan exemptions to help recruit qualified CFOs and mandates agencies to provide documentation if they choose not to pursue liquidated damages from contract breaches. This legislation applies to Executive Branch units meeting the funding threshold and aims to standardize financial oversight.
HB 953 authorizes the Governor, with the Board of Public Works' approval, to transfer funds from Maryland's Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund. This specifically allows using surplus state funds for disaster recovery efforts after major emergencies, such as natural disasters. The transfer is limited to amounts that leave at least 5% of the Revenue Stabilization Account's estimated annual revenue balance. The bill modifies existing law to streamline this process without creating new programs or funding streams.
SB 859 sets new qualifications and reporting requirements for chief financial officers (CFOs) in Maryland state agencies receiving at least $2 billion annually in state and federal funding. It requires these CFOs to hold specific credentials - such as a CPA with 5 years of fiscal management experience, a relevant master’s degree with 3 years of experience, or 10 years of total experience - and mandates they submit detailed financial data to the Comptroller’s Office by year-end. The bill also allows the Secretary of Budget to grant pay plan exemptions to help recruit and retain qualified CFOs. These changes apply only to large executive branch units, not all state employees.
HB 17 changes where probate cases are filed for people who died without Maryland residence and updates Maryland's inheritance tax rules for non-resident estates. It requires that for non-resident decedents, the tax on intangible property (like stocks or bank accounts) is based on where the decedent lived (their domicile), not where the property is located. The bill also repeals a previous exemption that allowed non-resident decedents to avoid inheritance tax on personal property passing to heirs. These changes apply retroactively to all applicable cases.
SB 277 changes how Maryland handles probate cases and inheritance tax for people who did not live in Maryland at the time of death. It requires that for inheritance tax purposes, intangible property (like stocks, bank accounts, or investments) is taxed based on the decedent's home state, not where the property is located in Maryland. The bill also repeals an existing exemption that previously allowed nonresident decedents to avoid inheritance tax on personal property passing to heirs. These changes apply retroactively to estates opened before the law took effect.
