HB 1327 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants

HB 1327 modifies funding rules for Maryland's Heritage Areas Authority, directly affecting local jurisdictions and organizations managing certified heritage areas. It increases grant coverage from 50% to 80% of project costs for management plans, development, and interpretive exhibits, while setting a $300,000 maximum per grant. The bill also reduces the allowable portion of Program Open Space funds for the Authority's operating expenses from 10% to 7%. These changes streamline grant access for heritage area projects while adjusting fiscal oversight of related funding.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 7, 2025 Last action Apr 7, 2025

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What changed between versions

First - Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants → Third - Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to update funding limits and percentages for the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, increasing grant amounts from 50% to 80% of costs and raising the maximum grant cap from $300,000 to $300,000 (unchanged) while adjusting Program Open Space fund usage limits from 10% to 7% or $600,000, whichever is greater. The changes reflect updated financial parameters for heritage area management grants and operational funding.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority's ability to award grants and loans for certified heritage areas, but financial thresholds and usage limits have been expanded.

FISCAL

Increased management plan grant limit from 50% to 80% of project costs

Increased acquisition or development grant limit from 50% to 80% of total project costs

Increased program grant limit from 50% to 80% of estimated project costs

Changed Program Open Space fund operating expense limit from 10% to 7% or $600,000, whichever is greater

Removed special fiscal year 2012 additional funding provision for Department of Planning

TIMELINE

Updated bill status from first reading to second reading with favorable committee report and adoption

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 7, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 5, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Feb 7, 2025

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors