Bill > HB625

This bill establishes a new system for research facilities in Maryland to contribute to the Human-Relevant Research Fund, requiring them to pay annual contributions to the Department of Agriculture instead of the Department of Health. Specifically, research facilities that are required to submit an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Form 7023, which is a federal form used to report animal inventory and care, will now pay a tiered contribution based on the number of animals they house, ranging from $5,000 for up to 100 animals to $75,000 for over 5,000 animals. These collected funds will then be distributed to the Human-Relevant Research Fund. Furthermore, the bill introduces a penalty for non-compliance, stating that a research facility failing to pay the required contribution may face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day. This change aims to streamline the collection process and ensure funding for relevant research initiatives.