MD SB977

Establishes the Maryland Positive Youth Development Commission within the State Department of Education to award grants to community-based organizations, schools, and local governments providing youth programming outside regular school hours for individuals from birth through age 25

Creates the Maryland Positive Youth Development Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to be financed primarily by proceeds from judgments or settlements against social media companies found to have harmed youth, plus state appropriations and interest earnings

Commission membership includes 4 youth members ages 14-24 appointed by the Governor, representatives from multiple state agencies (Health, Human Services, Juvenile Services, Attorney General), parents from rural and urban areas, mental health professionals, and legislative advisors

Fund allocation limits administrative costs to 10% for Attorney General litigation expenses and 10% for Commission operations, with remaining funds dedicated to grants for eligible organizations providing evidence-based youth development programs

Act is contingent on the State receiving funds from a social media company settlement, judgment, or bankruptcy proceeding by June 30, 2030, with an effective date of July 1, 2026