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The 450th session of Maryland General Assembly will convene in Annapolis, Maryland on January 13 - April 12, 2027

FY2027

ADVOCACY UDPATE

4/20/26

HB0654 & SB0638
PASSES

Press Release

Maryland General Assembly
Passes
HB0654 & SB0638
Lifting the Cap on
Maryland’s Heritage Areas

The Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition extends our deepest thanks to the members of the Maryland General Assembly who made the passage of the “Lift the Cap” legislation (HB0654/SB0638) possible. This bill unlocks opportunities for the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and strengthens the state’s economy.

Maryland’s Heritage Areas Program is a proven economic development engine—generating $319.8 million in annual tax revenue and returning $7 for every $1 invested—while strengthening communities across every region of the state.

With unanimous support, this legislation marks a major milestone, allowing communities across Maryland to preserve history, grow local economies, and invest in the places that define us. The bill modernizes the program's funding without creating new spending or mandates.

The passed legislation:

#Removes the outdated $6 million statutory cap that has limited the program’s growth

#Maintains flexibility; funding can increase only when resources allow

#Does not require new spending; it simply enables future investment

#Ensures high-impact local projects aren’t left unfunded due to an artificial cap

We are especially grateful to the bill’s sponsors and champions for their leadership and commitment:

Maryland Senate
Senator Corderman, Senator Bailey, Senator Gallion, Senator Salling, Senator Folden, Senator Simonaire, Senator Augustine, Senator Guzzone, Senator Hettleman, Senator Jennings, Senator King, Senator Lewis Young, Senator McCray, Senator Rosapepe, and Senator Zucker

House of Delegates
Delegate Behler, Delegate Hinebaugh, Delegate Allen, Delegate Guyton, Delegate Holmes, Delegate Jacobs, Delegate Lewis, Delegate T. Morgan, Delegate Odom, and Delegate Stein

Their bipartisan leadership reflects a shared understanding:

Investing in Maryland’s heritage is an investment in our economy, our communities, and our future.

We look forward to Governor Wes Moore signing this legislation into law and helping to unlock its full potential for communities across the state.

Once signed by the Governor, Maryland will be better positioned to build on a program that already delivers measurable impact, supporting local jobs, revitalizing main streets, and preserving the stories and places that connect us all.

Bill
Background

Maryland’s 13 Heritage Areas are economic powerhouses: drawing visitors, boosting local businesses, supporting jobs, and generating $319.8 million in tax revenue that benefits communities across our state.

The current Maryland Heritage Areas Program funding level of $6 million delivers strong returns. More than $5.1 million flows directly back into Maryland communities each year, supporting projects, partnerships, historic sites, museums, trails, events, and local revitalization work.

An Outdated Funding Cap Is Holding the Program Back

Despite its success, the program is limited by a $6 million statutory cap that prevents the program from growing, even in years when the administration has the capacity to invest more. Over $12 million in grant requests were submitted this year alone, double the cap‐limited amount the program can award.

A Smart, Simple Fix

It is a straightforward “lift the cap” bill. It does not mandate new funding. It simply removes the outdated cap, allowing the program to grow in future years if and when state revenues permit.

This ensures Maryland can continue responding to rising demand, supporting high‐impact local projects, and remaining competitive with other states investing in heritage tourism.

This legislation does not ask the state to spend more today. It preserves Maryland’s flexibility to invest wisely when resources allow.

What This Means for Maryland’s Communities

With the cap lifted, Maryland has the option to:

✓ Support more local projects that strengthen towns, counties,
and Main Streets in years when funding is available.

✓ Leverage more partner investment by increasing
program capacity when the state is able.

✓ Respond to growing interest in heritage tourism statewide.

✓ Expand access and opportunity for communities
across all regions of Maryland.

FY2026

Statement on Governor Wes Moore’s veto of SB980, Natural Resources— Maryland Heritage Areas Authority— Funding and Grants

May 19, 2025

The Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition is grateful to the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland General Assembly for all the support that has been given to the unique statewide Maryland Heritage Areas Program. This program is a proven economic driver for Maryland – heritage areas benefit every county in the state bringing a $7 return for every $1 in state funding.

Therefore, it is with concern that we respond to the veto of the bi-partisan legislation SB980 that passed with universal acclaim in the Maryland General Assembly and was crafted in consultation with members of the Governor’s office.

This legislation was a response to the need for future economic growth within the state.

SB980 was not a mandate for funding; it had no fiscal note. The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is funded through the transfer tax and is a dedicated line in Program Open Space.

SB980 was a vehicle for lifting caps on future funding, which may be years away, when economic times and transfer tax levels would support such a request. And, as the program falls within the Office of the Governor, any future funding levels would be determined by that office.

This legislation was necessary for future economic growth. With the current cap in place, many organizations will be unable to receive future funding that would revitalize regions of our state. We appreciate the careful considerations that the Moore-Miller Administration is making amid historic budget problems and vast regional economic uncertainty. However, this legislation recognized that fact with its mindful approach.

Full Statement (PDF)

Heritage Area Program, Primarily Grantees, to Benefit from Successful Passage of
SB0980/HB1327 by General Assembly

April 9, 2025

On the last day of the Maryland General Assembly, Monday, April 7, SB0980 Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants passed the Maryland Senate unanimously and received 137 votes in favor from the House of Delegates. The Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition proudly celebrated the passage of SB0980, allowing more funds to support Maryland’s heritage and economy.

The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Paul Corderman and Michael A. Jackson, increases the opportunity for funding for the Maryland Heritage Areas Program—from $6 million to $12 million annually and raises caps on grants to heritage organizations from $100,000 to $300,000 —allowing for higher levels of program and product development and more impactful capital projects. It also reduces the match requirement for nonprofits, further reducing barriers to equitable awards.

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