Bill > SB392

This bill establishes a new grant and loan program managed by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (often referred to as the "Corporation") to fund "Long COVID innovation," which means research, product development, and manufacturing within Maryland aimed at treating Long COVID, a chronic and systemic disease state with profound consequences, as defined by the National Academy of Sciences. To ensure the quality of these initiatives, the Corporation will contract with an independent review committee composed of scientific experts in Long COVID to evaluate and recommend research proposals for funding. The bill also creates the Maryland Long COVID Research Fund, a dedicated, nonlapsing fund to support these life sciences endeavors, with the Governor authorized to include appropriations to this fund in the annual budget. Importantly, this fund is an exception to a state law that typically directs interest earned on special funds to the General Fund, meaning interest earned by the Long COVID Research Fund will remain within the fund to further its purpose. The Corporation is tasked with developing criteria for applications, overseeing the use of funds, and reporting annually on the program's progress and impact.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0392?ys=2026RS