MD SB226

Expands the Maryland Heritage Area Authority's voting membership from 8 to 10 members by adding the Secretary of Agriculture and State Superintendent of Schools, and replaces the Maryland Greenways Commission representative with a public member experienced in natural resource stewardship or climate resiliency

Increases the quorum requirement from 9 to 10 voting members

Removes the requirement that the Authority send boundary maps to county clerks and eliminates the mandate for State officials to prepare formal program statements, instead requiring them to directly support and assist activities in certified heritage areas

Gives the Authority flexibility to set matching fund requirements at whatever proportion it considers appropriate, replacing the previous fixed 50% caps on management plan grants, acquisition/development grants, and program grants

Takes effect October 1, 2026