Bill > HB1473

This bill establishes the Maryland's Future Board within the Department of Commerce, tasked with creating a "visionary plan" for the state's future, which is defined as a forward-thinking strategy not limited by current technology or finances, envisioning an equitable, prosperous, and livable state with opportunities for all, and considering future trends in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. The Board will consist of seven members appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House, representing diverse backgrounds and expertise, and will meet at least four times annually. The Board's primary duties include developing and revising this visionary plan, and making recommendations for "projects" – which can include allocations of state funds in the operating or capital budgets, or the implementation of policies to advance the state's well-being – to the Governor and the General Assembly. To fund these recommended projects, the bill also establishes the Maryland's Future Fund, a special, nonlapsing fund administered by the Department of Commerce, into which money appropriated from the state budget, interest earnings, and other accepted funds will be deposited. Importantly, any interest earned by this Fund will be credited back to the Fund itself, rather than going to the state's General Fund, and expenditures from the Fund will only be made in accordance with the state budget. This Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will remain in effect for five years, after which it will be automatically repealed.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1473?ys=2026RS