HB 429 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program - Established

HB 429 establishes two grant programs to reduce food waste and promote composting. The On-Farm Organics Diversion Grant Program (under Agriculture) funds farmers, urban farmers, and related entities to implement on-farm composting, food rescue, and waste prevention. The Wasted Food Reduction Grant Program (under Environment) funds projects like food rescue infrastructure, community composting, and education to reduce wasted food statewide. Eligible projects must meet specific standards, such as producing certified compost and prioritizing underserved communities, with grants awarded annually starting July 2028.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Jan 22, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - On-Farm Organics and Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion Grant Programs - Established → Third - On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program - Established · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand its scope from a general 'Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion' program to a specific 'On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program.' This change clarifies that the funding is specifically for composting and recycling organic materials on farms, rather than broader food waste prevention. Additionally, the bill was updated to reflect new sponsors and legislative history, including a favorable committee report and adoption.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed and clarified to focus specifically on 'On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling,' replacing the broader 'Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion' title and purpose.

SCOPE

The bill title and purpose were changed to explicitly focus on 'On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Programs' instead of the broader 'Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion Grant Programs.'

ELIGIBILITY

The list of bill sponsors was expanded to include several new delegates (Behler, Foley, Jacobs, Holmes, Lewis, Odom, Stein, and T. Morgan).

TIMELINE

Legislative status updates were added, noting the bill was adopted and read a second time on February 26, 2026, with a favorable committee report.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was reorganized to repeal and reenact specific sections of the Agriculture and Environment articles, updating the legal citations and structure to align with the new program focus.

DEFINITION

The definition of the 'Grant Program' was updated to reflect the new 'On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program' name.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 21, 2026 · House of Delegates Feb 28, 2026

How they voted

43–0

Passed · 6 other

Total votes 49

Mar 21, 2026

D Democratic36

30 Yea 6

83% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 28, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 250

executive

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion Special Order until 4/9 (Senator Corderman) Adopted

upper

Apr 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted

upper

Apr 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 21, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (43-0-6)

senate

Mar 13, 2026

Committee

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Feb 28, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (127-7-8)

house of delegates

Jan 22, 2026

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

22 primary · 0 co-sponsors