Maryland Positive Youth Development Commission and Fund - Establishment

HB 1278 establishes the Maryland Positive Youth Development Commission within the State Department of Education and creates a nonlapsing Maryland Positive Youth Development Fund. The Commission will award grants to eligible organizations (including community groups, schools, and local governments) providing evidence-based programming outside regular school hours for youth aged 0-25. The Fund, which will use settlement proceeds and other revenue, requires interest earnings to be credited back to the Fund. Programs must include adult mentors, family engagement, and activities promoting social-emotional skills to address concerns about social media's impact on youth well-being.