Bill > SB861

This bill modifies the Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board and the Senator George C. Edwards Fund to enhance economic development opportunities in the region. The bill changes the board's composition by removing several previous members, including representatives from the Department of Commerce and economic development organizations, and instead focuses on appointing representatives from Districts 1 and 2 from both the House of Delegates and Senate. Importantly, the Executive Director is now added as a nonvoting member with the ability to break tie votes, and the bill explicitly prohibits Maryland General Assembly members from serving on the board. The purpose of the Senator George C. Edwards Fund is revised to focus more directly on creating jobs and significant economic development opportunities. The bill modifies funding criteria to require projects to either create or retain at least 25 jobs, or create at least 10 jobs with wages exceeding 120% of the state minimum wage, or generate significant population growth in the county or municipality. The Governor is mandated to include at least $10,000,000 in appropriations to the fund for fiscal years 2024 through 2026, with the goal of supporting economic development in Western Maryland. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0861?ys=2025RS