MD HB1581

Maryland Stadium Authority becomes the successor to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority for operating the Pimlico racing facility, with authority to designate the thoroughbred racetrack operator (currently Maryland Jockey Club, Inc.)

Increases bond authorization for Prince George's County Blue Line Corridor facilities from $400 million to $450 million, and expands eligible facilities to include market halls, sports stadiums, mixed-use developments, and technology innovation centers

Raises State Lottery Fund distributions to the Racing and Community Development Financing Fund from $17 million to $27 million annually, and to the Prince George's County Blue Line Corridor Facility Fund from $27 million to $31 million annually

Requires the Governor to include $5 million in the FY2028 budget for backstretch housing facilities at Laurel Park, and mandates 10% of the thoroughbred racetrack operator's annual net income be distributed for Pimlico community development

Changes the Bus Rapid Transit grant program to designate Montgomery County as the sole grantee and increases the annual Transportation Trust Fund appropriation from $10 million to $12 million starting FY2027