Bill > SB563

This bill establishes the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, a special non-lapsing fund designed to support agricultural fairs and education throughout the state. The fund will receive $1,450,000 annually from State Lottery proceeds starting in fiscal year 2025, and will be administered by the Comptroller. Each year, the fund will distribute specific grants: $825,000 to the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board to promote state and county agricultural fairs, $75,000 to the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation to enhance statewide agricultural education, and $550,000 to the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society to promote the state agricultural fair and support youth agricultural programs like 4-H Clubs and the Maryland FFA Association. The fund can also cover its own administrative expenses, and any interest earned will be credited back to the fund. Notably, the bill repeals previous requirements for funding agricultural fairs from the horse racing special fund, instead creating this dedicated new funding mechanism. The fund is structured to be transparent and focused, with expenditures only permitted in accordance with the state budget, and investments managed by the State Treasurer in the same manner as other state funds.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0563?ys=2025RS