MD HB625

Transfers responsibility for collecting Human-Relevant Research Fund contributions from the Maryland Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture, effective October 1, 2026

Requires Maryland research facilities that submit federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Form 7023 to pay annual contributions by January 15, based on number of animals used in research

Contribution amounts are tiered: $5,000 for up to 100 animals, $10,000 for 101-500 animals, $55,000 for 501-5,000 animals, and $75,000 for more than 5,000 animals

Collected funds are distributed to the Human-Relevant Research Fund established under the Economic Development Article

Research facilities that fail to pay required contributions face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day