Bill > HB650

This bill establishes the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, a special non-lapsing fund designed to support agricultural fairs and education in the state. The fund will receive $1,450,000 annually from State Lottery Fund proceeds, starting in fiscal year 2026, and will be administered by the Comptroller. The fund's annual grants will be distributed as follows: $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 bill also repeals previous requirements for funding agricultural fairs from the horse racing special fund, effectively restructuring how these organizations receive financial support. Any interest earned on the fund will be credited back to the fund, and expenditures can only be made in accordance with the state budget. The new funding mechanism aims to provide more stable and dedicated financial support for agricultural education and fair-related activities in Maryland, with the bill set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0650?ys=2025RS