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MD HB461
MD HB461Economic Development - Rural Readiness Program and Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund - Establishment
summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
03/10/2026
03/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishing the Rural Readiness Program administered by the Rural Maryland Council to provide assistance to rural communities to enhance their capacity for economic development; requiring priority to be given when making certain grants to entities that have completed the Rural Readiness Program; and establishing the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund to be administered by the Council to provide grants to support collaborative planning and capacity building initiatives that address the needs of rural communities.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Rural Readiness Program, administered by the Rural Maryland Council, to help rural communities improve their economic development capabilities by assisting eligible applicants with grant applications and revenue-generating projects, with priority given to those who complete the program when applying for certain other grants. It also creates the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund, also managed by the Rural Maryland Council, to provide grants for collaborative planning and initiatives that address the specific needs of rural communities, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000 and a requirement for eligible applicants to have completed the Rural Readiness Program.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (12)
Natalie Ziegler (D)*,
Chris Adams (R),
Dylan Behler (D),
Kris Fair (D),
Linda Foley (D),
Jeff Ghrist (R),
Michele Guyton (D),
Ken Kerr (D),
Edith Patterson (D),
Lily Qi (D),
Pam Queen (D),
Sheree Sample-Hughes (D),
Last Action
Favorable Report by Economic Matters (on 03/10/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0461?ys=2026RS |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/votes_comm/hb0461_ecm.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0461f.pdf |
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