WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546 – 1 – Chapter 546 (Senate Bill 470) AN ACT concerning Natural Resources – Land Conservation – Establishment of Goals and Programs (Maryland the Beautiful Act) FOR the purpose of establishing certain goals and programs related to land conservation; establishing the Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program to provide loans to certain land trusts to purchase land for conservation purposes; authorizing the Maryland Environmental Trust to exercise certain remedies under certain circumstances; prohibiting a person from making any false statements affecting a Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program loan; providing that a person who violates certain provisions of law is subject to certain penalties; establishing the Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring authorizing the Governor, beginning in a certain fiscal year, to include in the annual budget bill a certain appropriation to the Maryland Environmental Trust to be used to provide certain grants through the Keep Maryland Beautiful Program; establishing the 40 x 40 Land Conservation Implementation Grant Program to support implementation of land conservation goals; authorizing certain excess revenue from the transfer tax collected in a certain fiscal year to be allocated to the Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Fund; and generally relating to land conservation in the State. BY adding to Article – Natural Resources New part designation “Part I. General Provisions” to immediately precede Section 3–201; Section 3–214 through 3–216 3–217 to be under the new part “Part II. Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program”; and 5–104 Annotated Code of Maryland (2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article – Natural Resources Section 3–210 Annotated Code of Maryland (2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 2 – Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)170. and 171. Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY adding to Article – State Finance and Procurement Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)172. Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article – Tax – Property Section 13–209(f)(1) Annotated Code of Maryland (2019 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the new part designation “Part I. General Provisions” be added to immediately precede Section 3–201 of Article – Natural Resources of the Annotated Code of Maryland. SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article – Natural Resources 3–210. (A) (1) Any function or activity of the Governor’s Committee to Keep Maryland Beautiful is transferred to the Trust. (2) These functions and activities include, by way of enumeration and not limitation: [(1)] (I) Educating Maryland citizens and visitors in their individual responsibility in litter prevention and care of the out–of–doors through a two–fold approach: [(i)] 1. Awareness–publicity through radio, TV, newspapers, and other public media; and [(ii)] 2. Action–cleanup and beautification projects carried out by civic organizations, county committees, and community groups in cooperation with public agencies; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546 – 3 – [(2)] (II) Efficient use of public and private funds spent on cleaning up highways, parks, beaches, and other public and private property; [(3)] (III) Increasing beauty through stimulation of private business, community, and public planting projects; and [(4)] (IV) Stimulating pride and appreciation for home, community, and State. (B) (1) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION OF $235,000 TO THE TRUST, TO BE USED IN THE FO LLOWING AMOUNTS FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES : (I) $50,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP CAPACITY–BUILDING GRANTS OF U P TO $10,000 TO LAND TRUSTS TO SU PPORT MONITORING AND STEWA RDSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS , LAND MONITORING AND STEWARDSHIP EQUIPMEN T, OR ORGANIZATIONAL AC CREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION TRAINI NGS; (II) $50,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP IMPROVEMENT GRANTS O F UP TO $10,000 TO LAND TRUSTS TO SU PPORT IMPROVED MONITORING AND STEWA RDSHIP OF AGRICULTUR AL LANDS, FOREST LANDS , OR LANDS FACING A HIGH DEGREE OF THREAT FRO M INVASIVE SPECIES O R THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE C HANGE; AND (III) $135,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE CITIZEN STEWARDSHIP GRANTS OF UP TO $5,000 TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZ ATIONS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS , SCHOOLS, AND MUNICIPAL CORPOR ATIONS TO ENGAGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS , ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS , IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCAT ION AND STEWARDSHIP . (2) FUNDS PROVIDED TO THE TRUST UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION ARE SUPPL EMENTAL TO AND ARE N OT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLA CE OF FUNDING THAT WOUL D OTHERWISE BE APPRO PRIATED TO THE TRUST FOR GRANTS ADMINISTERED UNDER THE KEEP MARYLAND BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM. 3–212. RESERVED. 3–213. RESERVED. PART II. LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM. 3–214. Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 4 – (A) IN THIS PART THE FOLLOW ING WORDS HAVE THE M EANINGS INDICATED. (B) “ADVISORY COMMITTEE” MEANS THE LAND PRESERVATION RAPID RESPONSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (C) “BOARD OF TRUSTEES” MEANS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. (D) “EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE” MEANS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. (E) “FUND” MEANS THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND. (F) “LAND TRUST” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 3–2A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE. (G) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM. (H) “TRUST” MEANS THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. 3–215. (A) THERE IS A LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM. (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO: (1) SUPPORT THE EFFORTS O F LOCAL LAND TRUSTS THAT WORK WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVER NMENTAL ENTITIES AND THAT HAVE DIFFIC ULTY ACCESSING MONEY FROM EXISTING PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION PROGRAMS IN A TIMELY MANNER; AND (2) PROVIDE REVOLVING LOA NS TO LAND TRU STS ON A ROLLING BASIS TO ASSIST THE LAND TRUSTS TO PURCH ASE FEE SIMPLE OR EASEME NT INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY FOR CONSERVATION PUR POSES. (C) (1) THE TRUST SHALL: (I) ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; AND WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546 – 5 – (II) ESTABLISH APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR PROGRAM LOANS . (2) IF THE TRUST APPROVES AN APP LICANT’S REQUEST FOR A PROGRAM LOAN , THE TRUST SHALL: (I) PREPARE THE LOAN DOCU MENTS; AND (II) ESTABLISH THE TERMS A ND CONDITIONS FOR TH E LOAN. (C) (D) A LAND TRUST THAT RECEIVES A PROGRAM LOAN TO PURCH ASE PROPERTY IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L REPAY THE FUND: (1) AT A RATE TO BE DETER MINED BY THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST, NOT TO EXCEED ONE PO INT BELOW THE PRIME INTEREST RATE; AND (2) AFTER THE PROPERTY IS : (I) PLACED UNDER A CONSERVATION EASEMENT; OR (II) TRANSFERRED TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENTAL ENTITY. (D) THE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTER ED BY THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. (E) NOTHING IN THIS SECTI ON OBLIGATES A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITY TO ACCEPT OR PURCHASE F ROM A LAND TRUST A CONSERVATION EASEMEN T OR TRANSFERRED PRO PERTY PURCHASED WITH A PROGRAM LOAN . (F) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSE CTION (D)(2) OF THIS SECTION , A LAND TRUST SHALL REPAY A PROGRAM LOAN AND ANY ACCRUED INTEREST WITHIN 5 YEARS AFTER RECEIVIN G THE PROGRAM LOAN , UNLESS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES AN EXTENSIO N OF TIME BASED ON E XTENUATING CIRCUMSTA NCES. (G) IF A LAND TRUST VIOLA TES ANY PROVISION OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR CEASES TO MEET TH E REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBTITLE , ON REASONABLE NOTICE TO THE LAND T RUST, THE TRUST MAY EXERCISE AN Y REMEDY AVAILABLE UNDER LAW, INCLUDING ANY REMEDI ES PROVIDED FOR IN T HE LOAN DOCUMENTS . Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 6 – (H) (1) A PERSON MAY NOT KNOWI NGLY MAKE OR CAUSE T O BE MADE ANY FALSE STATEMENT OR REPORT, INCLUDING ANY UNDERS TATEMENT OR OVERSTATEMENT OF FIN ANCIAL CONDITION FOR A NEW LOAN OR AFFECT ING A LOAN ALREADY MADE UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE: (I) IN ANY APPLICATION OR IN ANY DOCUMENT FURN ISHED TO THE TRUST; OR (II) FOR THE PURPOSE OF IN FLUENCING THE ACTION OF TH E TRUST ON AN APPLICATI ON FOR FINANCIAL ASS ISTANCE OR FOR THE P URPOSE OF INFLUENCING ANY ACTI ON OF THE TRUST AFFECTING FINAN CIAL ASSISTANCE WHETHER OR NOT SUCH ASSISTANCE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXTENDE D. (2) ANY PERSON, AIDER, OR ABETTOR WHO VIOLATES ANY PROVISION OF THIS SUBTITLE IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEA NOR AND ON CONVICTIO N IS SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEED ING $50,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 5 YEARS OR BOTH. 3–216. (E) (A) (1) THERE IS A LAND PRESERVATION RAPID RESPONSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (2) (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS TO: (I) (1) REVIEW AND PRIORITIZE PROGRAM LOAN APPLICATIONS FOR FINAL APPROVAL BY TH E EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES; AND (II) (2) MAKE RECOMMEND ATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON: 1. (I) WHICH PROJECTS TO FUN D, WHETHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART; AND 2. (II) THE FUNDING TO BE ALL OCATED TO EACH PROJE CT. (3) (C) THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF : (I) (1) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E DEPARTMENT , SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY; AND WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546 – 7 – (II) (2) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS , SELECTED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 1. (I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST THAT IS NOT A M EMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; 2. (II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NONPROFIT LAND CONSERVATION ORGANIZ ATION IN THE STATE; 3. (III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A LOCAL PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMEN T IN THE STATE; AND 4. (IV) AN INDIVIDUAL WITH EX PERIENCE IN LOAN UNDERWRITING . 3–216. 3–217. (A) THERE IS A LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND. (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO FINANCE TH E PROGRAM. (C) THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST SHALL ADMINISTE R THE FUND. (D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. (2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY , AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND. (E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : (1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; (2) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND (3) REPAYMENTS OF PRINCIP AL AND INTEREST FROM LOANS MADE UNDER THE PROGRAM; AND (4) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 8 – (F) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025, THE THE GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $10,000,000 TO THE FUND. (G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY TO PROVIDE FUNDING F OR THE PROGRAM. (H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE INVESTED. (2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO THE FUND. (I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE BUDGET . (J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLACE OF FUNDING THA T OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM. 5–104. (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS INDICATED. (2) “CONSERVE” MEANS TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT LAND FROM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PURCHASE, DONATION, A PERPETUAL CONSERVA TION OR AN OPEN SPACE EASEME NT, OR FEE OWNERSHIP IN ORDER TO PRESERVE TH E CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, ECOLOGICAL, OR AGRICULTURAL VALU E OF THE LAND. (3) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE 40 X 40 LAND CONSERVATION IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION. (4) “SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET” MEANS THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 9–1406 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. (5) “TRUST” MEANS THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. (B) (1) IT IS THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT : (I) BY 2030, 30% OF LANDS IN THE STATE BE CONSERVED ; AND WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546 – 9 – (II) BY 2040, 40% OF LANDS IN THE STATE BE CONSERVED . (2) THE CONSERVATION GOAL S ESTABLISHED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH MU LTIPLE EFFORTS , INCLUDING: (I) WORKING WITH LOCAL CO MMUNITIES, COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES , AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES , AND PRIVATE LANDOWNE RS TO CONSERVE NATURAL PLA CES AND RESOURCES ; (II) IMPROVING ACCESS TO N ATURE FOR ALL INDI VIDUALS IN THE STATE, INCLUDING COMMUNITIE S OF COLOR AND ECONO MICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUN ITIES; (III) SEQUESTERING CARBON A ND GREENHOUSE GAS EM ISSIONS IN THE LANDS AND WAT ERS OF THE STATE; (IV) INCREASING PUBLIC INC ENTIVES FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS T O VOLUNTARILY CONSER VE AND PROTECT AREAS OF DEMONSTRATED CONSERV ATION VALUE AND AREA S THAT HAVE A HIGH C APACITY TO SEQUESTER CARBON AND GREENHOUSE GAS E MISSIONS; (V) FOCUSING CONSERVATION WORK AT A LARGE LAND SCAPE SCALE THAT IS BIOLOG ICALLY AND ECOLOGI CALLY MEANINGFUL ; (VI) PREVENTING THE EXTINC TION OF NATIVE PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES BY RE COVERING AND RESTORI NG THE SPECIES; (VII) STABILIZING ECOSYSTEM S AND ECOSYSTEM SERV ICES, RESTORING DEGRADED E COSYSTEMS, AND MAINTAINING ECOL OGICAL FUNCTIONS ; AND (VIII) INCREASING ECONOMIC O PPORTUNITIES FOR FAR MERS, RANCHERS, FISHERS, AND FORESTERS . (C) (1) THE TRUST SHALL ADMINISTE R A 40 X 40 LAND CONSERVATION IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT IM PLEMENTATION OF THE GOALS ESTABLISHED UN DER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION. (2) PROGRAM GRANTS SHALL : Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 10 – (I) BE AWARDED EACH YEAR ON A COMPETITIVE BAS IS TO A STATEWIDE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ON THAT FOCUSES ON S UPPORTING THE PERMANENT CONSERVATI ON OF THE LANDS OF T HE STATE; AND (II) PROVIDE AT LEAST: 1. $150,000 TO THE GRANT RECIPIE NT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TOOLS AND RESOURCES , ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPO RT, AND CAPACITY BUILDING TO LOCAL LAND TRUSTS ; AND 2. $100,000 TO THE GRANT RECIPIE NT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING STATEWIDE EDUCATI ONAL CONFERENCES AND TRAININGS FOR LOCAL LAND TRUST S ON THE TOPICS OF E ASEMENT ACQUISITION , CONSERVATION PROGRAM S AND TOOLS, LAND MANAGEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP , AND OTHER RELEVANT S UBJECTS. (3) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO THE TRUST FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING THE GRA NTS REQUIRED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. (D) (1) IN ORDER TO MEET THE CONSERVATION GOALS E STABLISHED UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET, IN COORDINATION WITH RE LEVANT STAKEHOLDERS , SHALL: (I) COORDINATE THE ACTION S OF STATE AGENCIES , LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , AND NONGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS; (II) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2024, DEVELOP AND PUBLISH A PLAN TO ME ET THE STATE’S CONSERVATION GOALS AND UPDATE THE PLAN AS NEEDED, BUT NOT LESS THAN EV ERY 5 YEARS THEREAFTER ; AND (III) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH DECEMBER 1 THEREAFTER , REPORT TO THE SENATE EDUCATION, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON THE STATE’S PROGRESS TOWARD ME ETING THE CONSERVATION GOALS . (2) THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET SHALL MAKE THE ANNUAL REPORT REQUIRED UND ER PARAGRAPH (1)(III) OF THIS SUBSECTION A VAILABLE ON ITS WEBSITE. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546 – 11 – Article – State Finance and Procurement 6–226. (a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General Fund of the State. (ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply to the following funds: 170. the Cannabis Public Health Fund; [and] 171. the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund; AND 172. THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND. SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article – Tax – Property 13–209. (f) (1) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, for any fiscal year in which the actual transfer tax revenue collections are greater than the revenue estimates used as the basis for the appropriations required under this section for the fiscal year, the amount of the excess shall be allocated to the special fund under subsection (a) of this section as provided under subsections (c) and (d) of this section for the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which there is an excess. (ii) 1. Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph or any other provision of law, $21,776,868 of the transfer tax collected but not appropriated or transferred in fiscal 2004 shall be transferred to the General Fund of the State. 2. NOTWITHSTANDING SUBPA RAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH OR ANY OTH ER PROVISION OF LAW , IF IN FISCAL YEAR 2023 THE ACTUAL TRANSFER TAX REVENUE COLLECTIONS ARE GREATER THAN THE REVENUE ESTIMATES USED AS TH E BASIS FOR THE APPR OPRIATIONS REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 2023, THE AMOUNT OF THE EX CESS MAY BE Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND – 12 – ALLOCATED TO THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND IN FISCAL YEAR 2025. (iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph or any other provision of law, in any fiscal year in which an appropriation or transfer is made from the special fund to the General Fund, if the actual transfer tax revenue collections for the prior fiscal year exceed the budget estimate for the prior fiscal year, the excess shall be allocated in the current fiscal year for Program Open Space, the Agricultural Land Preservation Fund, the Rural Legacy Program, and the Heritage Conservation Fund. Funds made available under this subparagraph shall be allocated as provided under subsection (d) of this section. SECTION 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect October 1, 2023. Section 3 of this Act shall remain effective for a period of 3 years and, at the end of September 30, 2026, Section 3 of this Act, with no further action required by the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. Approved by the Governor, May 8, 2023.