Bill > SB384

This bill modifies the funding mechanism for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) by changing how Maryland calculates and provides capital grants. The bill requires the Governor to include an annual appropriation for WMATA based on a new formula: a base amount of $500,000 that is adjusted for inflation from fiscal year 2019 and increased by 3% each year. The appropriation will be the state's proportionate share calculated using the Metrorail Operating Subsidy Allocation Formula. The bill also maintains existing requirements that WMATA submit various performance and financial reports to the state, and introduces provisions that allow the Governor to reduce funding proportionally if Virginia or the District of Columbia reduce their capital funding. Importantly, the bill's implementation is contingent on both Virginia and the District of Columbia enacting similar legislation with comparable funding commitments. The Governor may also withhold 35% of the appropriation if WMATA receives a modified audit opinion and does not submit a satisfactory corrective action plan. The legislation is designed to provide a more predictable and inflation-adjusted funding approach for WMATA's capital needs while maintaining accountability through reporting and audit requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0384?ys=2025RS