MD HB1459

Restructures the Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board to consist of four representatives from Districts 1 and 2 appointed by legislative leaders, plus the Executive Director as a nonvoting member who may cast tie-breaking votes; prohibits General Assembly members from serving on the Board

Extends the mandatory $10,000,000 annual state appropriation to the Senator George C. Edwards Fund from fiscal years 2024-2026 to fiscal years 2024-2031

Changes the Fund's purpose from supporting capital infrastructure and business development projects that "improve economic conditions" to projects that "create jobs and significant economic development opportunities" in Western Maryland

Revises project eligibility criteria to require either creation/retention of at least 25 jobs, or at least 10 jobs with wages exceeding 120% of the state minimum wage, or certified significant population growth in the project's county or municipality

Effective July 1, 2025; approved by Governor Wes Moore on May 6, 2025