MD SB585

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

Research facilities in Maryland that submit federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Form 7023 must pay annual contributions by January 15, based on animal counts: $5,000 (up to 100 animals), $10,000 (101-500), $55,000 (501-5,000), or $75,000 (over 5,000)

Contribution amounts are determined by the total number of animals reported in Column F of the facility's most recently submitted federal form

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

Facilities that fail to pay the required contribution face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day