Maryland Technology Development Corporation - Long COVID Innovation Grant and Loan Program

HB 27 creates a Maryland Long COVID Research Fund administered by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to provide grants and loans for Long COVID innovation. The program directly supports Maryland-based public and private entities conducting research, product development, and manufacturing related to Long COVID treatments, using the National Academy of Sciences' 2024 definition of Long COVID. Key mechanisms include establishing a nonlapsing fund (funded by state appropriations and interest earnings), requiring an independent scientific review committee to evaluate proposals, and mandating annual reports on funded projects and program effectiveness. The bill specifies that funds may only be used for research, development, and commercialization of Long COVID treatments, with strict oversight to ensure alignment with scientific and medical goals. It takes effect July 1, 2026.