SB 867 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Economic Development - Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission - Alterations

SB 867 expands the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission's mission to specifically promote innovation in space science, space technology, and aeronautics. It restructures the Commission's membership by adding representatives from the commercial space industry (up to three) and higher education institutions, while requiring the Commission to appoint an Executive Director. The bill authorizes the Commission to provide grants to eligible entities - including aerospace businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and universities conducting aerospace research in Maryland. These changes aim to strengthen Maryland's aerospace sector by formalizing grant programs and broadening stakeholder representation on the Commission.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Economic Development - Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission - Alterations Third - Economic Development - Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission - Alterations · 2 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to clarify the definition of an 'Eligible Entity' by adding 'and development' to the description of institutions of higher education. Additionally, the purpose of the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission was slightly expanded to include 'space technology' alongside space exploration and aeronautics. These changes ensure the commission's mission and the entities it supports are explicitly aligned with current industry terminology and research activities.
Scope change
The scope of the bill was slightly broadened to include 'space technology' in the commission's purpose and clarified the definition of eligible institutions to include 'research and development'.
DEFINITION

The definition of 'Institution of higher education' was modified to specify that it must conduct 'aerospace research and development' within the state, adding 'and development' to the original text.

SCOPE

The stated purpose of the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission was modified to explicitly include 'space technology' in the list of fields for promoting innovation.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 19, 2026

How they voted

450
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 49
Mar 19, 2026
D Democratic36
32 Yea 4
88% Yea
R Republican13
13 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Apr 9, 2026
Committee
Rereferred to Economic Matters
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Committee
Referred Rules and Executive Nominations
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
upper
Apr 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (45-0-4)
senate
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
First Reading Finance
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Alonzo Washington
Alonzo Washington
DDemocratic
MD
22