Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB470 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546
2	1
3		-	– 1 –
4		-	Chapter 546
5		-	(Senate Bill 470)
6	2
7		-	AN ACT concerning
	3	+	EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
	4	+	[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
	5	+	Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
	6	+	Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
	7	+	amendment.
	8	+	Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
	9	+	sb0470
8	10
9		-	Natural Resources – Land Conservation – Establishment of Goals and Programs
10		-	(Maryland the Beautiful Act)
	11	+	SENATE BILL 470
	12	+	M1 (3lr1852)
	13	+	ENROLLED BILL
	14	+	— Budget and Taxation and Education, Energy, and the Environment/Environment
	15	+	and Transportation —
	16	+	Introduced by Senators Elfreth, Gile, Guzzone, Hettleman, Jackson, James, King,
	17	+	Rosapepe, and Zucker
11	18
12		-	FOR the purpose of establishing certain goals and programs related to land conservation;
13		-	establishing the Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program to provide loans to
14		-	certain land trusts to purchase land for conservation purposes; authorizing the
15		-	Maryland Environmental Trust to exercise certain remedies under certain
16		-	circumstances; prohibiting a person from making any false statements affecting a
17		-	Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program loan; providing that a person who violates
18		-	certain provisions of law is subject to certain penalties; establishing the Local Land
19		-	Trust Revolving Loan Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest
20		-	earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring authorizing the Governor,
21		-	beginning in a certain fiscal year, to include in the annual budget bill a certain
22		-	appropriation to the Maryland Environmental Trust to be used to provide certain
23		-	grants through the Keep Maryland Beautiful Program; establishing the 40 x 40 Land
24		-	Conservation Implementation Grant Program to support implementation of land
25		-	conservation goals; authorizing certain excess revenue from the transfer tax
26		-	collected in a certain fiscal year to be allocated to the Local Land Trust Revolving
27		-	Loan Fund; and generally relating to land conservation in the State.
	19	+	Read and Examined by Proofreaders:
28	20
29		-	BY adding to
30		-	Article – Natural Resources
31		-	New part designation “Part I. General Provisions” to immediately precede Section
32		-	3–201; Section 3–214 through 3–216 3–217 to be under the new part “Part II.
33		-	Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program”; and 5–104
34		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
35		-	(2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
	21	+	_______________________________________________
	22	+	Proofreader.
	23	+	_______________________________________________
	24	+	Proofreader.
36	25
37		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
38		-	Article – Natural Resources
39		-	Section 3–210
40		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
41		-	(2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
	26	+	Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this
42	27
43		-	BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
44		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement
45		-	Section 6–226(a)(2)(i)
46		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
47		-	(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
	28	+	_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.
48	29
49		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	30	+	______________________________________________
	31	+	President.
50	32
51		-	– 2 –
52		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement
53		-	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)170. and 171.
54		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
55		-	(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
	33	+	CHAPTER ______
56	34
57		-	BY adding to
58		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement
59		-	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)172.
60		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
61		-	(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
	35	+	AN ACT concerning 1
62	36
63		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
64		-	Article – Tax – Property
65		-	Section 13–209(f)(1)
66		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
67		-	(2019 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
	37	+	Natural Resources – Land Conservation – Establishment of Goals and Programs 2
	38	+	(Maryland the Beautiful Act) 3
68	39
69		-	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
70		-	That the new part designation “Part I. General Provisions” be added to immediately
71		-	precede Section 3–201 of Article – Natural Resources of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
	40	+	FOR the purpose of establishing certain goals and programs related to land conservation; 4
	41	+	establishing the Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program to provide loans to 5
	42	+	certain land trusts to purchase land for conservation purposes; authorizing the 6
	43	+	Maryland Environmental Trust to exercise certain remedies under certain 7
	44	+	circumstances; prohibiting a person from making any false statements affecting a 8
	45	+	Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program loan; providing that a person who violates 9
	46	+	certain provisions of law is subject to certain penalties; establishing the Local Land 10
	47	+	Trust Revolving Loan Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest 11
	48	+	earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring authorizing the Governor, 12
	49	+	beginning in a certain fiscal year, to include in the annual budget bill a certain 13 2 SENATE BILL 470
72	50
73		-	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read
74		-	as follows:
75	51
76		-	Article – Natural Resources
	52	+	appropriation to the Maryland Environmental Trust to be used to provide certain 1
	53	+	grants through the Keep Maryland Beautiful Program; establishing the 40 x 40 Land 2
	54	+	Conservation Implementation Grant Program to support implementation of land 3
	55	+	conservation goals; authorizing certain excess revenue from the transfer tax 4
	56	+	collected in a certain fiscal year to be allocated to the Local Land Trust Revolving 5
	57	+	Loan Fund; and generally relating to land conservation in the State. 6
77	58
78		-	3–210.
	59	+	BY adding to 7
	60	+	Article – Natural Resources 8
	61	+	New part designation “Part I. General Provisions” to immediately precede Section 9
	62	+	3–201; Section 3–214 through 3–216 3–217 to be under the new part “Part II. 10
	63	+	Local Land Trust Revolving Loan Program”; and 5–104 11
	64	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 12
	65	+	(2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 13
79	66
80		-	(A) (1) Any function or activity of the Governor’s Committee to Keep Maryland
81		-	Beautiful is transferred to the Trust.
	67	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 14
	68	+	Article – Natural Resources 15
	69	+	Section 3–210 16
	70	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 17
	71	+	(2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 18
82	72
83		-	(2) These functions and activities include, by way of enumeration and not
84		-	limitation:
	73	+	BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 19
	74	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 20
	75	+	Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) 21
	76	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 22
	77	+	(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 23
85	78
86		-	[(1)] (I) Educating Maryland citizens and visitors in their individual
87		-	responsibility in litter prevention and care of the out–of–doors through a two–fold
88		-	approach:
	79	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 24
	80	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 25
	81	+	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)170. and 171. 26
	82	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 27
	83	+	(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 28
89	84
90		-	[(i)] 1. Awareness–publicity through radio, TV, newspapers, and
91		-	other public media; and
	85	+	BY adding to 29
	86	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 30
	87	+	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)172. 31
	88	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 32
	89	+	(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 33
92	90
93		-	[(ii)] 2. Action–cleanup and beautification projects carried out by
94		-	civic organizations, county committees, and community groups in cooperation with public
95		-	agencies;
96		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546
	91	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 34
	92	+	Article – Tax – Property 35
	93	+	Section 13–209(f)(1) 36
	94	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 37
	95	+	(2019 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 38
	96	+	SENATE BILL 470 3
97	97
98		-	– 3 –
99		-	[(2)] (II) Efficient use of public and private funds spent on cleaning up
100		-	highways, parks, beaches, and other public and private property;
101	98
102		-	[(3)] (III) Increasing beauty through stimulation of private business,
103		-	community, and public planting projects; and
	99	+	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 1
	100	+	That the new part designation “Part I. General Provisions” be added to immediately 2
	101	+	precede Section 3–201 of Article – Natural Resources of the Annotated Code of Maryland. 3
104	102
105		-	~~[(4)] (IV) Stimulating pride~~ and ~~appreciation for home~~, ~~community, and~~
106		-	~~State.~~
	103	+	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 4
	104	+	as follows: 5
107	105
108		-	(B) (1) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE
109		-	GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION
110		-	OF $235,000 TO THE TRUST, TO BE USED IN THE FO LLOWING AMOUNTS FOR THE
111		-	FOLLOWING PURPOSES :
	106	+	Article – Natural Resources 6
112	107
113		-	(I) $50,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP
114		-	CAPACITY–BUILDING GRANTS OF U P TO $10,000 TO LAND TRUSTS TO SU PPORT
115		-	MONITORING AND STEWA RDSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS , LAND MONITORING AND
116		-	STEWARDSHIP EQUIPMEN T, OR ORGANIZATIONAL AC CREDITATION AND
117		-	CERTIFICATION TRAINI NGS;
	108	+	3–210. 7
118	109
119		-	(II) $50,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP
120		-	IMPROVEMENT GRANTS O F UP TO $10,000 TO LAND TRUSTS TO SU PPORT IMPROVED
121		-	MONITORING AND STEWA RDSHIP OF AGRICULTUR AL LANDS, FOREST LANDS , OR
122		-	LANDS FACING A HIGH DEGREE OF THREAT FRO M INVASIVE SPECIES O R THE
123		-	EFFECTS OF CLIMATE C HANGE; AND
	110	+	(A) (1) Any function or activity of the Governor’s Committee to Keep Maryland 8
	111	+	Beautiful is transferred to the Trust. 9
124	112
125		-	(III) $135,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE CITIZEN STEWARDSHIP
126		-	GRANTS OF UP TO $5,000 TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZ ATIONS, COMMUNITY
127		-	ORGANIZATIONS , SCHOOLS, AND MUNICIPAL CORPOR ATIONS TO ENGAGE
128		-	COMMUNITY MEMBERS , ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS , IN
129		-	ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCAT ION AND STEWARDSHIP .
	113	+	(2) These functions and activities include, by way of enumeration and not 10
	114	+	limitation: 11
130	115
131		-	(2) FUNDS PROVIDED TO THE TRUST UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
132		-	SUBSECTION ARE SUPPL EMENTAL TO AND ARE N OT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLA CE
133		-	OF FUNDING THAT WOUL D OTHERWISE BE APPRO PRIATED TO THE TRUST FOR
134		-	GRANTS ADMINISTERED UNDER THE KEEP MARYLAND BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM.
	116	+	[(1)] (I) Educating Maryland citizens and visitors in their individual 12
	117	+	responsibility in litter prevention and care of the out–of–doors through a two–fold 13
	118	+	approach: 14
135	119
136		-	3–212. RESERVED.
	120	+	[(i)] 1. Awareness–publicity through radio, TV, newspapers, and 15
	121	+	other public media; and 16
137	122
138		-	3–213. RESERVED.
	123	+	[(ii)] 2. Action–cleanup and beautification projects carried out by 17
	124	+	civic organizations, county committees, and community groups in cooperation with public 18
	125	+	agencies; 19
139	126
140		-	PART II. LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM.
	127	+	[(2)] (II) Efficient use of public and private funds spent on cleaning up 20
	128	+	highways, parks, beaches, and other public and private property; 21
141	129
142		-	3–214. Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	130	+	[(3)] (III) Increasing beauty through stimulation of private business, 22
	131	+	community, and public planting projects; and 23
143	132
144		-	– 4 –
	133	+	[(4)] (IV) Stimulating pride and appreciation for home, community, and 24
	134	+	State. 25
145	135
146		-	(A) IN THIS PART THE FOLLOW ING WORDS HAVE THE M EANINGS
147		-	INDICATED.
	136	+	(B) (1) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER, THE 26
	137	+	GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION 27
	138	+	OF $235,000 TO THE TRUST, TO BE USED IN THE FO LLOWING AMOUNTS FOR THE 28
	139	+	FOLLOWING PURPOSES : 29
148	140
149		-	(B) “ADVISORY COMMITTEE” MEANS THE LAND PRESERVATION RAPID
150		-	RESPONSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
	141	+	(I) $50,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP 30
	142	+	CAPACITY–BUILDING GRANTS OF U P TO $10,000 TO LAND TRUSTS TO SU PPORT 31
	143	+	MONITORING AND STEWA RDSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS , LAND MONITORING AND 32 4 SENATE BILL 470
151	144
152		-	(C) “BOARD OF TRUSTEES” MEANS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
153		-	MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST.
154	145
155		-	~~(D) “EXECUTIVE~~ ~~COMMITTEE” MEANS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE~~
156		-	~~MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST.~~
	146	+	STEWARDSHIP EQUIPMEN T, OR ORGANIZATIONAL AC CREDITATION AND 1
	147	+	CERTIFICATION TRAINI NGS; 2
157	148
158		-	(E) “FUND” MEANS THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND.
	149	+	(II) $50,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP 3
	150	+	IMPROVEMENT GRANTS O F UP TO $10,000 TO LAND TRUSTS TO SU PPORT IMPROVED 4
	151	+	MONITORING AND STEWA RDSHIP OF AGRICULTUR AL LANDS, FOREST LANDS , OR 5
	152	+	LANDS FACING A HIGH DEGREE OF THREAT FRO M INVASIVE SPECIES O R THE 6
	153	+	EFFECTS OF CLIMATE C HANGE; AND 7
159	154
160		-	(F) “LAND TRUST” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 3–2A–01 OF THIS
161		-	ARTICLE.
	155	+	(III) $135,000 PER YEAR TO PROVIDE CITIZEN STEWARDSHIP 8
	156	+	GRANTS OF UP TO $5,000 TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZ ATIONS, COMMUNITY 9
	157	+	ORGANIZATIONS , SCHOOLS, AND MUNICIPAL CORPOR ATIONS TO ENGAGE 10
	158	+	COMMUNITY MEMBERS , ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS , IN 11
	159	+	ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCAT ION AND STEWARDSHIP . 12
162	160
163		-	(G) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN
164		-	PROGRAM.
	161	+	(2) FUNDS PROVIDED TO THE TRUST UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 13
	162	+	SUBSECTION ARE SUPPL EMENTAL TO AND ARE N OT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLACE 14
	163	+	OF FUNDING THAT WOUL D OTHERWISE BE APPRO PRIATED TO THE TRUST FOR 15
	164	+	GRANTS ADMINISTERED UNDER THE KEEP MARYLAND BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM. 16
165	165
166		-	~~(H) “TRUST” MEANS THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST~~.
	166	+	3–212. RESERVED. 17
167	167
168		-	3–~~215~~.
	168	+	3–213. RESERVED. 18
169	169
170		-	~~(A) THERE IS A~~ LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM.
	170	+	PART II. LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM. 19
171	171
172		-	~~(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO:~~
	172	+	3–214. 20
173	173
174		-	(1) SUPPORT THE EFFORTS O F LOCAL LAND TRUSTS THAT WORK
175		-	WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVER NMENTAL ENTITIES AND THAT HAVE DIFFIC ULTY
176		-	ACCESSING MONEY FROM EXISTING PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
177		-	PROGRAMS IN A TIMELY MANNER; AND
	174	+	(A) IN THIS PART THE FOLL OWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 21
	175	+	INDICATED. 22
178	176
179		-	(2) PROVIDE REVOLVING LOA NS TO LAND TRU STS ON A ROLLING
180		-	BASIS TO ASSIST THE LAND TRUSTS TO PURCH ASE FEE SIMPLE OR EASEME NT
181		-	INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY FOR CONSERVATION PUR POSES.
	177	+	(B) “ADVISORY COMMITTEE” MEANS THE LAND PRESERVATION RAPID 23
	178	+	RESPONSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 24
182	179
183		-	(C) (1) THE TRUST SHALL:
	180	+	(C) “BOARD OF TRUSTEES” MEANS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE 25
	181	+	MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. 26
184	182
185		-	(I) ~~ADMINISTER~~ THE ~~PROGRAM; AND~~
186		-	~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch~~. ~~546~~
	183	+	(D) “EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE” MEANS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE 27
	184	+	MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. 28
187	185
188		-	– 5 –
189		-	(II) ESTABLISH APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ELIGIBILITY
190		-	CRITERIA FOR PROGRAM LOANS .
	186	+	(E) “FUND” MEANS THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND. 29
191	187
192		-	(2) IF THE ~~TRUST APPROVES AN APP LICANT’S REQUEST FOR A~~
193		-	~~PROGRAM LOAN , THE TRUST SHALL:~~
	188	+	(F) “LAND TRUST” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 3–2A–01 OF THIS 30
	189	+	ARTICLE. 31 SENATE BILL 470 5
194	190
195		-	(I) PREPARE THE LOAN DOCU MENTS; AND
196	191
197		-	(II) ESTABLISH THE TERMS A ND CONDITIONS FOR TH E LOAN.
198	192
199		-	(C) (D) A LAND TRUST THAT RECEIVES A PROGRAM LOAN TO PURCH ASE
200		-	PROPERTY IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L REPAY
201		-	THE FUND:
	193	+	(G) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN 1
	194	+	PROGRAM. 2
202	195
203		-	(1) AT A RATE TO BE DETER MINED BY THE MARYLAND
204		-	ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST, NOT TO EXCEED ONE PO INT BELOW THE PRIME INTEREST
205		-	RATE; AND
	196	+	(H) “TRUST” MEANS THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. 3
206	197
207		-	~~(2) AFTER THE PROPERTY IS :~~
	198	+	3–215. 4
208	199
209		-	(I) ~~PLACED UNDER~~ A ~~CONSERVATION EASEMENT;~~ OR
	200	+	(A) THERE IS A LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM. 5
210	201
211		-	(II) TRANSFERRED TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENTAL
212		-	ENTITY.
	202	+	(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO: 6
213	203
214		-	(D) THE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTER ED BY THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL
215		-	TRUST.
	204	+	(1) SUPPORT THE EFFORTS O F LOCAL LAND TRUSTS THAT WORK 7
	205	+	WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVER NMENTAL ENTITIES AND THAT HAVE DIFFIC ULTY 8
	206	+	ACCESSING MONEY FROM EXISTING PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION 9
	207	+	PROGRAMS IN A TIMELY MANNER; AND 10
216	208
217		-	(E) NOTHING IN THIS SECTI ON OBLIGATES A STATE OR LOCAL
218		-	GOVERNMENT ENTITY TO ACCEPT OR PURCHASE F ROM A LAND TRUST A
219		-	CONSERVATION EASEMEN T OR TRANSFERRED PRO PERTY PURCHASED WITH A
220		-	PROGRAM LOAN .
	209	+	(2) PROVIDE REVOLVING LOA NS TO LAND TRUSTS ON A ROLLING 11
	210	+	BASIS TO ASSIST THE LAND TRUSTS TO PURCH ASE FEE SIMPLE OR EASEME NT 12
	211	+	INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY FOR CONSERVATION PUR POSES. 13
221	212
222		-	(F) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSE CTION (D)(2) OF THIS SECTION , A LAND
223		-	TRUST SHALL REPAY A PROGRAM LOAN AND ANY ACCRUED INTEREST WITHIN 5
224		-	YEARS AFTER RECEIVIN G THE PROGRAM LOAN , UNLESS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
225		-	APPROVES AN EXTENSIO N OF TIME BASED ON E XTENUATING CIRCUMSTA NCES.
	213	+	(C) (1) THE TRUST SHALL: 14
226	214
227		-	(G) IF A LAND TRUST VIOLA TES ANY PROVISION OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS
228		-	OR CEASES TO MEET TH E REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBTITLE , ON REASONABLE
229		-	NOTICE TO THE LAND T RUST, THE TRUST MAY EXERCISE AN Y REMEDY AVAILABLE
230		-	UNDER LAW, INCLUDING ANY REMEDI ES PROVIDED FOR IN T HE LOAN DOCUMENTS .
231		-	Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	215	+	(I) ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; AND 15
232	216
233		-	– 6 –
234		-	(H) (1) A PERSON MAY NOT KNOWI NGLY MAKE OR CAUSE T O BE MADE ANY
235		-	FALSE STATEMENT OR REPORT, INCLUDING ANY UNDERS TATEMENT OR
236		-	OVERSTATEMENT OF FIN ANCIAL CONDITION FOR A NEW LOAN OR AFFECT ING A LOAN
237		-	ALREADY MADE UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE:
	217	+	(II) ESTABLISH APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ELIGI BILITY 16
	218	+	CRITERIA FOR PROGRAM LOANS . 17
238	219
239		-	(I) ~~IN ANY APPLICATION OR IN ANY DOCUMENT FURN ISHED TO~~
240		-	THE TRUST~~; OR~~
	220	+	(2) IF THE TRUST APPROVES AN APP LICANT’S REQUEST FOR A 18
	221	+	PROGRAM LOAN , THE TRUST SHALL: 19
241	222
242		-	(II) FOR THE PURPOSE OF IN FLUENCING THE ACTION OF TH E
243		-	TRUST ON AN APPLICATI ON FOR FINANCIAL ASS ISTANCE OR FOR THE P URPOSE OF
244		-	INFLUENCING ANY ACTI ON OF THE TRUST AFFECTING FINAN CIAL ASSISTANCE
245		-	WHETHER OR NOT SUCH ASSISTANCE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXTENDE D.
	223	+	(I) PREPARE THE LOAN DOCUMENTS ; AND 20
246	224
247		-	(2) ANY PERSON, AIDER, OR ABETTOR WHO VIOLATES ANY PROVISION
248		-	OF THIS SUBTITLE IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEA NOR AND ON CONVICTIO N IS SUBJECT
249		-	TO A FINE NOT EXCEED ING $50,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 5 YEARS OR
250		-	BOTH.
	225	+	(II) ESTABLISH THE TERMS A ND CONDITIONS FOR TH E LOAN. 21
251	226
252		-	3–216.
	227	+	(C) (D) A LAND TRUST THAT RECE IVES A PROGRAM LOAN TO PURCH ASE 22
	228	+	PROPERTY IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L REPAY 23
	229	+	THE FUND: 24
253	230
254		-	(E) (A) (1) THERE IS A LAND PRESERVATION RAPID RESPONSE
255		-	ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
	231	+	(1) AT A RATE TO BE DETER MINED BY THE MARYLAND 25
	232	+	ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST, NOT TO EXCEED ONE PO INT BELOW THE PRIME INTEREST 26
	233	+	RATE; AND 27
	234	+	6 SENATE BILL 470
256	235
257		-	(2) (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS TO:
258	236
259		-	(I) (1) REVIEW AND PRIORITIZE PROGRAM LOAN
260		-	APPLICATIONS FOR FINAL APPROVAL BY TH E EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
261		-	CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES; AND
	237	+	(2) AFTER THE PROPERTY IS : 1
262	238
263		-	(II) (2) MAKE RECOMMEND ATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE
264		-	COMMITTEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON:
	239	+	(I) PLACED UNDER A CONSERVATION EASEMENT; OR 2
265	240
266		-	1. (I) ~~WHICH PROJECTS~~ TO ~~FUN D, WHETHER IN WHOLE~~ OR
267		-	~~IN PART; AND~~
	241	+	(II) TRANSFERRED TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENTAL 3
	242	+	ENTITY. 4
268	243
269		-	2. (II) THE FUNDING TO BE ALL OCATED TO EACH PROJE CT.
	244	+	(D) THE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTER ED BY THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL 5
	245	+	TRUST. 6
270	246
271		-	(3) (C) THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF :
	247	+	(E) NOTHING IN THIS SECTI ON OBLIGATES A STATE OR LOCAL 7
	248	+	GOVERNMENT ENTITY TO ACCEPT OR PURCHASE F ROM A LAND TRUST A 8
	249	+	CONSERVATION EASEMEN T OR TRANSFERRED PRO PERTY PURCHASED WITH A 9
	250	+	PROGRAM LOAN . 10
272	251
273		-	(I) (1) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E DEPARTMENT ,
274		-	SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY; AND
275		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546
	252	+	(F) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSE CTION (D)(2) OF THIS SECTION , A LAND 11
	253	+	TRUST SHALL REPAY A PROGRAM LOAN AND ANY ACCRUED INTEREST WIT HIN 5 12
	254	+	YEARS AFTER RECEIVIN G THE PROGRAM LOAN , UNLESS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 13
	255	+	APPROVES AN EXTENSIO N OF TIME BASED ON EXTENUATING CIRCU MSTANCES. 14
276	256
277		-	– 7 –
278		-	(II) (2) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS , SELECTED BY THE
279		-	BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
	257	+	(G) IF A LAND TRUST VIOLA TES ANY PROVISION OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS 15
	258	+	OR CEASES TO MEET TH E REQUIREMENTS OF TH IS SUBTITLE, ON REASONABLE 16
	259	+	NOTICE TO THE LAND T RUST, THE TRUST MAY EXERCISE AN Y REMEDY AVAILABLE 17
	260	+	UNDER LAW, INCLUDING ANY REMEDIES PROVIDE D FOR IN THE LOAN DO CUMENTS. 18
280	261
281		-	1. (I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E MARYLAND
282		-	ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST THAT IS NOT A M EMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE;
	262	+	(H) (1) A PERSON MAY NOT KNOWI NGLY MAKE OR CAUSE T O BE MADE ANY 19
	263	+	FALSE STATEMENT OR R EPORT, INCLUDING ANY UNDERS TATEMENT OR 20
	264	+	OVERSTATEMENT OF FIN ANCIAL CONDITION FOR A NEW LOAN OR AFFECT ING A LOAN 21
	265	+	ALREADY MA DE UNDER THIS SUBTIT LE: 22
283	266
284		-	2. (II) ~~A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NONPROFIT LAND~~
285		-	~~CONSERVATION ORGANIZ ATION IN~~ THE ~~STATE~~;
	267	+	(I) IN ANY APPLICATION OR IN ANY DOCUMENT FURN ISHED TO 23
	268	+	THE TRUST; OR 24
286	269
287		-	3. (III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A LOCAL PARKS AND
288		-	RECREATION DEPARTMEN T IN THE STATE; AND
	270	+	(II) FOR THE PURPOSE OF IN FLUENCING THE ACTION OF THE 25
	271	+	TRUST ON AN APPLICATI ON FOR FINANCIAL ASS ISTANCE OR FOR THE P URPOSE OF 26
	272	+	INFLUENCING ANY ACTI ON OF THE TRUST AFFECTING FINAN CIAL ASSISTANCE 27
	273	+	WHETHER OR NOT SUCH ASSISTANCE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXTENDE D. 28
289	274
290		-	4. (IV) AN INDIVIDUAL WITH EX PERIENCE IN LOAN
291		-	UNDERWRITING .
	275	+	(2) ANY PERSON, AIDER, OR ABETTOR WHO VIOLA TES ANY PROVISION 29
	276	+	OF THIS SUBTITLE IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEA NOR AND ON CONVICTIO N IS SUBJECT 30
	277	+	TO A FINE NOT EXCEE DING $50,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 5 YEARS OR 31
	278	+	BOTH. 32
	279	+	SENATE BILL 470 7
292	280
293		-	3–216. 3–217.
294	281
295		-	~~(A) THERE IS A LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND~~.
	282	+	3–216. 1
296	283
297		-	(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO FINANCE TH E PROGRAM.
	284	+	(E) (A) (1) THERE IS A LAND PRESERVATION RAPID RESPONSE 2
	285	+	ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 3
298	286
299		-	(C) THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST SHALL ADMINISTE R THE
300		-	FUND.
	287	+	(2) (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS TO: 4
301	288
302		-	(D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
303		-	SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
	289	+	(I) (1) REVIEW AND PRIORITIZE PROGRAM LOAN 5
	290	+	APPLICATIONS FOR FINAL APPROVAL BY TH E EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 6
	291	+	CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES; AND 7
304	292
305		-	(2) ~~THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD~~ THE ~~FUND SEPARATELY ,~~
306		-	~~AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.~~
	293	+	(II) (2) MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE 8
	294	+	COMMITTEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON: 9
307	295
308		-	(E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF :
	296	+	1. (I) WHICH PROJECTS TO FUN D, WHETHER IN WHOLE OR 10
	297	+	IN PART; AND 11
309	298
310		-	(1) ~~MONEY APPROPRIATED IN~~ THE ~~STATE BUDGET~~ TO ~~THE FUND;~~
	299	+	2. (II) THE FUNDING TO BE ALL OCATED TO EACH PROJE CT. 12
311	300
312		-	(2) ~~INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND~~
	301	+	(3) (C) THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF : 13
313	302
314		-	(3) ~~REPAYMENTS~~ OF ~~PRINCIP AL AND INTEREST FROM LOANS MADE~~
315		-	~~UNDER~~ THE ~~PROGRAM~~; AND
	303	+	(I) (1) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E DEPARTMENT , 14
	304	+	SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY; AND 15
316	305
317		-	(4) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR
318		-	THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
319		-	Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	306	+	(II) (2) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, SELECTED BY THE 16
	307	+	BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 17
320	308
321		-	– 8 –
322		-	(F) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025, THE THE GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE
323		-	ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $10,000,000 TO THE FUND.
	309	+	1. (I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E MARYLAND 18
	310	+	ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST THAT IS NOT A M EMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; 19
324	311
325		-	(G) ~~THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY TO PROVIDE FUNDING F OR THE~~
326		-	~~PROGRAM.~~
	312	+	2. (II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NONPROFIT LAND 20
	313	+	CONSERVATION ORGANIZ ATION IN THE STATE; 21
327	314
328		-	(H) ~~(1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY~~ OF ~~THE FUND~~
329		-	IN THE ~~SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE INVESTED.~~
	315	+	3. (III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A LOCAL PARKS AND 22
	316	+	RECREATION DEPARTMEN T IN THE STATE; AND 23
330	317
331		-	(2) ~~ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO~~
332		-	~~THE FUND~~.
	318	+	4. (IV) AN INDIVIDUAL WITH EX PERIENCE IN LOAN 24
	319	+	UNDERWRITING . 25
333	320
334		-	(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
335		-	WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
	321	+	3–216. 3–217. 26
336	322
337		-	(J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS
338		-	SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLACE OF FUNDING THA T
339		-	OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM.
	323	+	(A) THERE IS A LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND. 27
	324	+	8 SENATE BILL 470
340	325
341		-	5–104.
342	326
343		-	(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
344		-	INDICATED.
	327	+	(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO FINANCE THE PROGRAM. 1
345	328
346		-	(2) “CONSERVE” MEANS TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT LAND FROM
347		-	DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PURCHASE, DONATION, A PERPETUAL CONSERVA TION OR
348		-	AN OPEN SPACE EASEME NT, OR FEE OWNERSHIP IN ORDER TO PRESERVE TH E
349		-	CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, ECOLOGICAL, OR AGRICULTURAL VALU E OF THE LAND.
	329	+	(C) THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST SHALL ADMINISTE R THE 2
	330	+	FUND. 3
350	331
351		-	(3) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE 40 X 40 LAND CONSERVATION
352		-	IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER SUBSECTION (C) OF
353		-	THIS SECTION.
	332	+	(D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT 4
	333	+	SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 5
354	334
355		-	(4) “SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET” MEANS THE SMART GROWTH
356		-	SUBCABINET ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 9–1406 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT
357		-	ARTICLE.
	335	+	(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY , 6
	336	+	AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND. 7
358	337
359		-	(5) ~~“TRUST” MEANS~~ THE ~~MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST.~~
	338	+	(E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : 8
360	339
361		-	~~(B)~~ (1) ~~IT IS~~ THE ~~INTENT OF~~ THE ~~GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT :~~
	340	+	(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; 9
362	341
363		-	(I) ~~BY 2030, 30% OF LANDS IN THE STATE BE CONSERVED~~ ; AND ~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546~~
	342	+	(2) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND 10
364	343
365		-	– 9 –
	344	+	(3) REPAYMENTS OF PRINCIP AL AND INTEREST FROM LOANS MADE 11
	345	+	UNDER THE PROGRAM; AND 12
366	346
367		-	(II) BY 2040, 40% OF LANDS IN THE STATE BE CONSERVED .
	347	+	(4) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 13
	348	+	THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 14
368	349
369		-	(2) THE CONSERVATION GOAL S ESTABLISHED UNDER PARAGRAPH
370		-	(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH MU LTIPLE EFFORTS ,
371		-	INCLUDING:
	350	+	(F) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025, THE THE GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE 15
	351	+	ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $10,000,000 TO THE FUND. 16
372	352
373		-	(I) WORKING WITH LOCAL CO MMUNITIES, COUNTIES,
374		-	MUNICIPALITIES , AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES , AND PRIVATE LANDOWNE RS TO
375		-	CONSERVE NATURAL PLA CES AND RESOURCES ;
	353	+	(G) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY TO PROVIDE FUNDING F OR THE 17
	354	+	PROGRAM. 18
376	355
377		-	(II) IMPROVING ACCESS TO N ATURE FOR ALL INDI VIDUALS IN
378		-	THE STATE, INCLUDING COMMUNITIE S OF COLOR AND ECONO MICALLY
379		-	DISADVANTAGED COMMUN ITIES;
	356	+	(H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND 19
	357	+	IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. 20
380	358
381		-	(~~III~~) ~~SEQUESTERING CARBON A ND GREENHOUSE GAS EM ISSIONS~~
382		-	IN THE ~~LANDS AND WAT ERS OF THE STATE;~~
	359	+	(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO 21
	360	+	THE FUND. 22
383	361
384		-	(IV) INCREASING PUBLIC INC ENTIVES FOR PRIVATE
385		-	LANDOWNERS T O VOLUNTARILY CONSER VE AND PROTECT AREAS OF
386		-	DEMONSTRATED CONSERV ATION VALUE AND AREA S THAT HAVE A HIGH C APACITY
387		-	TO SEQUESTER CARBON AND GREENHOUSE GAS E MISSIONS;
	362	+	(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE 23
	363	+	WITH THE STATE BUDGET . 24
388	364
389		-	(V) FOCUSING CONSERVATION WORK AT A LARGE LAND SCAPE
390		-	SCALE THAT IS BIOLOG ICALLY AND ECOLOGI CALLY MEANINGFUL ;
	365	+	(J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS 25
	366	+	SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO T AKE THE PLACE OF FUN DING THAT 26
	367	+	OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM. 27
391	368
392		-	(VI) PREVENTING THE EXTINC TION OF NATIVE PLANT AND
393		-	ANIMAL SPECIES BY RE COVERING AND RESTORI NG THE SPECIES;
	369	+	5–104. 28 SENATE BILL 470 9
394	370
395		-	(VII) STABILIZING ECOSYSTEM S AND ECOSYSTEM SERV ICES,
396		-	RESTORING DEGRADED E COSYSTEMS, AND MAINTAINING ECOL OGICAL FUNCTIONS ;
397		-	AND
398	371
399		-	(VIII) INCREASING ECONOMIC O PPORTUNITIES FOR FAR MERS,
400		-	RANCHERS, FISHERS, AND FORESTERS .
401	372
402		-	(C) (1) THE TRUST SHALL ADMINISTE R A 40 X 40 LAND CONSERVATION
403		-	IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT IM PLEMENTATION OF THE
404		-	GOALS ESTABLISHED UN DER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION.
	373	+	(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOL LOWING WORDS HAVE TH E MEANINGS 1
	374	+	INDICATED. 2
405	375
406		-	(2) PROGRAM GRANTS SHALL :
407		-	Ch. 546 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	376	+	(2) “CONSERVE” MEANS TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT LAND FROM 3
	377	+	DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PURCHASE, DONATION, A PERPETUAL CONSERVA TION OR 4
	378	+	AN OPEN SPACE EASEME NT, OR FEE OWNERSHIP IN ORDER TO PRESERVE TH E 5
	379	+	CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, ECOLOGICAL, OR AGRICULTURAL VALU E OF THE LAND. 6
408	380
409		-	– 10 –
410		-	(I) BE AWARDED EACH YEAR ON A COMPETITIVE BAS IS TO A
411		-	STATEWIDE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ON THAT FOCUSES ON S UPPORTING THE
412		-	PERMANENT CONSERVATI ON OF THE LANDS OF T HE STATE; AND
	381	+	(3) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE 40 X 40 LAND CONSERVATION 7
	382	+	IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER SUBSECTION (C) OF 8
	383	+	THIS SECTION. 9
413	384
414		-	(II) PROVIDE AT LEAST:
	385	+	(4) “SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET” MEANS THE SMART GROWTH 10
	386	+	SUBCABINET ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 9–1406 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT 11
	387	+	ARTICLE. 12
415	388
416		-	1. $150,000 TO THE GRANT RECIPIE NT FOR THE
417		-	PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TOOLS AND RESOURCES , ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPO RT, AND
418		-	CAPACITY BUILDING TO LOCAL LAND TRUSTS ; AND
	389	+	(5) “TRUST” MEANS THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST. 13
419	390
420		-	2. $100,000 TO THE GRANT RECIPIE NT FOR THE
421		-	PURPOSE OF PROVIDING STATEWIDE EDUCATI ONAL CONFERENCES AND TRAININGS
422		-	FOR LOCAL LAND TRUST S ON THE TOPICS OF E ASEMENT ACQUISITION ,
423		-	CONSERVATION PROGRAM S AND TOOLS, LAND MANAGEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP ,
424		-	AND OTHER RELEVANT S UBJECTS.
	391	+	(B) (1) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT : 14
425	392
426		-	(3) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE
427		-	GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION
428		-	OF $250,000 TO THE TRUST FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING THE GRA NTS
429		-	REQUIRED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
	393	+	(I) BY 2030, 30% OF LANDS IN THE STATE BE CONSERVED ; AND 15
430	394
431		-	(D) (1) IN ORDER TO MEET THE CONSERVATION GOALS E STABLISHED
432		-	UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET, IN
433		-	COORDINATION WITH RE LEVANT STAKEHOLDERS , SHALL:
	395	+	(II) BY 2040, 40% OF LANDS IN THE STATE BE CONSERVED . 16
434	396
435		-	(I) COORDINATE THE ACTION S OF STATE AGENCIES , LOCAL
436		-	GOVERNMENTS , AND NONGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS;
	397	+	(2) THE CONSERVATION GOAL S ESTABLISHED UNDER PARAGRAPH 17
	398	+	(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH MULTIPLE EFF ORTS, 18
	399	+	INCLUDING: 19
437	400
438		-	(II) ~~ON OR BEFORE JULY 1~~, ~~2024~~, ~~DEVELOP AND PUBLISH A~~
439		-	~~PLAN~~ TO ~~ME ET THE STATE’S CONSERVATION GOALS AND UPDATE THE PLAN AS~~
440		-	~~NEEDED, BUT NOT LESS THAN EV ERY 5 YEARS THEREAFTER~~ ; ~~AND~~
	401	+	(I) WORKING WITH LOCAL CO MMUNITIES, COUNTIES, 20
	402	+	MUNICIPALITIES , AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES , AND PRIVATE LANDOWNE RS TO 21
	403	+	CONSERVE NATURAL PLA CES AND RESOURCES ; 22
441	404
442		-	(III) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH DECEMBER
443		-	1 THEREAFTER , REPORT TO THE SENATE EDUCATION, ENERGY, AND THE
444		-	ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE ENVIRONMENT AND
445		-	TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE
446		-	GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON THE STATE’S PROGRESS TOWARD ME ETING THE
447		-	CONSERVATION GOALS .
	405	+	(II) IMPROVING ACCESS TO N ATURE FOR ALL INDIVI DUALS IN 23
	406	+	THE STATE, INCLUDING COMMUNITIE S OF COLOR AND ECONO MICALLY 24
	407	+	DISADVANTAGED COMMUN ITIES; 25
448	408
449		-	(2) THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET SHALL MAKE THE ANNUAL
450		-	REPORT REQUIRED UND ER PARAGRAPH (1)(III) OF THIS SUBSECTION A VAILABLE ON
451		-	ITS WEBSITE. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 546
	409	+	(III) SEQUESTERING CARBON AND GRE ENHOUSE GAS EMISSION S 26
	410	+	IN THE LANDS AND WAT ERS OF THE STATE; 27
452	411
453		-	– 11 –
	412	+	(IV) INCREASING PUBLIC INC ENTIVES FOR PRIVATE 28
	413	+	LANDOWNERS TO VOLUNT ARILY CONSERVE AND P ROTECT AREAS OF 29 10 SENATE BILL 470
454	414
455		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement
456	415
457		-	6–226.
	416	+	DEMONSTRATED CONSERV ATION VALUE AND AREA S THAT HAVE A HIGH C APACITY 1
	417	+	TO SEQUESTER CARBON AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS; 2
458	418
459		-	(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless
460		-	inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the
461		-	terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the
462		-	State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to
463		-	receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General
464		-	Fund of the State.
	419	+	(V) FOCUSING CONSERVATION WORK AT A LARGE LAND SCAPE 3
	420	+	SCALE THAT IS BIOLOG ICALLY AND ECOLOGICA LLY MEANINGFUL ; 4
465	421
466		-	(ii) The ~~provisions~~ of ~~subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply~~
467		-	to the ~~following funds:~~
	422	+	(VI) PREVENTING THE EXTINC TION OF NATIVE PLANT AND 5
	423	+	ANIMAL SPECIES BY RE COVERING AND RESTORI NG THE SPECIES; 6
468	424
469		-	170. the Cannabis Public Health Fund; [and]
	425	+	(VII) STABILIZING ECOSYSTEM S AND ECOSYSTEM SERV ICES, 7
	426	+	RESTORING DEGRADED E COSYSTEMS, AND MAINTAINING ECOL OGICAL FUNCTIONS ; 8
	427	+	AND 9
470	428
471		-	171. the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund; AND
	429	+	(VIII) INCREASING ECONOMIC O PPORTUNITIES FOR FAR MERS, 10
	430	+	RANCHERS, FISHERS, AND FORESTERS . 11
472	431
473		-	172. THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND.
	432	+	(C) (1) THE TRUST SHALL ADMINISTER A 40 X 40 LAND CONSERVATION 12
	433	+	IMPLEMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT IM PLEMENTATION OF THE 13
	434	+	GOALS ESTABLISHED UN DER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION. 14
474	435
475		-	SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read
476		-	as follows:
	436	+	(2) PROGRAM GRANTS SHALL : 15
477	437
478		-	Article – Tax – Property
	438	+	(I) BE AWARDED EACH YEAR ON A COMPETITIVE BAS IS TO A 16
	439	+	STATEWIDE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ON THAT FOCUSES ON S UPPORTING THE 17
	440	+	PERMANENT CONSERVATI ON OF THE LANDS OF T HE STATE; AND 18
479	441
480		-	~~13–209.~~
	442	+	(II) PROVIDE AT LEAST : 19
481	443
482		-	(f) (1) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this
483		-	paragraph, for any fiscal year in which the actual transfer tax revenue collections are
484		-	greater than the revenue estimates used as the basis for the appropriations required under
485		-	this section for the fiscal year, the amount of the excess shall be allocated to the special
486		-	fund under subsection (a) of this section as provided under subsections (c) and (d) of this
487		-	section for the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which there is an excess.
	444	+	1. $150,000 TO THE GRANT RECIPIE NT FOR THE 20
	445	+	PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TOOLS AND RESOURCES , ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPO RT, AND 21
	446	+	CAPACITY BUILDING TO LOCAL LAND TRUSTS ; AND 22
488	447
489		-	(ii) 1. Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph or
490		-	any other provision of law, $21,776,868 of the transfer tax collected but not appropriated
491		-	or transferred in fiscal 2004 shall be transferred to the General Fund of the State.
	448	+	2. $100,000 TO THE GRANT RECIPIE NT FOR THE 23
	449	+	PURPOSE OF PROVIDING STATEWIDE EDUCATIONA L CONFERENCES AND TR AININGS 24
	450	+	FOR LOCAL LAND TRUST S ON THE TOPICS OF E ASEMENT ACQUISITION , 25
	451	+	CONSERVATION PROGRAM S AND TOOL S, LAND MANAGEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP , 26
	452	+	AND OTHER RELEVANT S UBJECTS. 27
492	453
493		-	~~2. NOTWITHSTANDING SUBPA RAGRAPH~~ (I) ~~OF THIS~~
494		-	~~PARAGRAPH OR ANY OTH ER PROVISION OF LAW , IF~~ IN ~~FISCAL YEAR 2023~~ THE
495		-	~~ACTUAL TRANSFER TAX REVENUE COLLECTIONS ARE GREATER THAN~~ THE ~~REVENUE~~
496		-	~~ESTIMATES USED AS TH E BASIS FOR THE APPR OPRIATIONS~~ REQUIRED UNDER THIS
497		-	~~SECTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 2023, THE AMOUNT OF THE EX CESS MAY BE Ch. 546~~ ~~2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	454	+	(3) IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE 28
	455	+	GOVERNOR SHALL MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION 29
	456	+	OF $250,000 TO THE TRUST FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TH E GRANTS 30
	457	+	REQUIRED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. 31
	458	+	SENATE BILL 470 11
498	459
499		-	– 12 –
500		-	ALLOCATED TO THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND IN FISCAL YEAR
501		-	2025.
502	460
503		-	(iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph or any other
504		-	provision of law, in any fiscal year in which an appropriation or transfer is made from the
505		-	special fund to the General Fund, if the actual transfer tax revenue collections for the prior
506		-	fiscal year exceed the budget estimate for the prior fiscal year, the excess shall be allocated
507		-	in the current fiscal year for Program Open Space, the Agricultural Land Preservation
508		-	Fund, the Rural Legacy Program, and the Heritage Conservation Fund. Funds made
509		-	available under this subparagraph shall be allocated as provided under subsection (d) of
510		-	this section.
	461	+	(D) (1) IN ORDER TO MEET THE CONSERVATION GOALS E STABLISHED 1
	462	+	UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION , THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET, IN 2
	463	+	COORDINATION WITH RE LEVANT STAKEHOLDERS , SHALL: 3
511	464
512		-	SECTION 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
513		-	October 1, 2023. Section 3 of this Act shall remain effective for a period of 3 years and, at
514		-	the end of September 30, 2026, Section 3 of this Act, with no further action required by the
515		-	General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.
	465	+	(I) COORDINATE THE ACTION S OF STATE AGENCIES , LOCAL 4
	466	+	GOVERNMENTS , AND NONGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS; 5
516	467
517		-	Approved by the Governor, May 8, 2023.
	468	+	(II) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2024, DEVELOP AND PUBLISH A 6
	469	+	PLAN TO MEET THE STATE’S CONSERVATION GOALS AND UPDATE THE PLAN AS 7
	470	+	NEEDED, BUT NOT LESS THAN EV ERY 5 YEARS THEREAFTER ; AND 8
	471	+
	472	+	(III) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH DECEMBER 9
	473	+	1 THEREAFTER , REPORT TO THE SENATE EDUCATION, ENERGY, AND THE 10
	474	+	ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE ENVIRONMENT AND 11
	475	+	TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 12
	476	+	GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON THE STATE’S PROGRESS TOWARD ME ETING THE 13
	477	+	CONSERVATION GOALS . 14
	478	+
	479	+	(2) THE SMART GROWTH SUBCABINET SHALL MAKE THE ANNUAL 15
	480	+	REPORT REQUIRED UNDE R PARAGRAPH (1)(III) OF THIS SUBSECTION A VAILABLE ON 16
	481	+	ITS WEBSITE. 17
	482	+
	483	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 18
	484	+
	485	+	6–226. 19
	486	+
	487	+	(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless 20
	488	+	inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the 21
	489	+	terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the 22
	490	+	State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to 23
	491	+	receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General 24
	492	+	Fund of the State. 25
	493	+
	494	+	(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply 26
	495	+	to the following funds: 27
	496	+
	497	+	170. the Cannabis Public Health Fund; [and] 28
	498	+
	499	+	171. the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund; AND 29
	500	+
	501	+	172. THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND. 30
	502	+
	503	+	SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 31
	504	+	as follows: 32 12 SENATE BILL 470
	505	+
	506	+
	507	+
	508	+	Article – Tax – Property 1
	509	+
	510	+	13–209. 2
	511	+
	512	+	(f) (1) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this 3
	513	+	paragraph, for any fiscal year in which the actual transfer tax revenue collections are 4
	514	+	greater than the revenue estimates used as the basis for the appropriations required under 5
	515	+	this section for the fiscal year, the amount of the excess shall be allocated to the special 6
	516	+	fund under subsection (a) of this section as provided under subsections (c) and (d) of this 7
	517	+	section for the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which there is an excess. 8
	518	+
	519	+	(ii) 1. Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph or 9
	520	+	any other provision of law, $21,776,868 of the transfer tax collected but not appropriated 10
	521	+	or transferred in fiscal 2004 shall be transferred to the General Fund of the State. 11
	522	+
	523	+	2. NOTWITHSTANDING SUBPA RAGRAPH (I) OF THIS 12
	524	+	PARAGRAPH OR ANY OTH ER PROVISION OF LAW , IF IN FISCAL YEAR 2023 THE 13
	525	+	ACTUAL TRANSFER TAX REVENUE COLLECTIONS ARE GREATER THAN THE REVENUE 14
	526	+	ESTIMATES USED AS TH E BASIS FOR THE APPR OPRIATIONS REQUIRED UNDER THIS 15
	527	+	SECTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 2023, THE AMOUNT OF THE EX CESS MAY BE 16
	528	+	ALLOCATED TO THE LOCAL LAND TRUST REVOLVING LOAN FUND IN FISCAL YEAR 17
	529	+	2025. 18
	530	+
	531	+	(iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph or any other 19
	532	+	provision of law, in any fiscal year in which an appropriation or transfer is made from the 20
	533	+	special fund to the General Fund, if the actual transfer tax revenue collections for the prior 21
	534	+	fiscal year exceed the budget estimate for the prior fiscal year, the excess shall be allocated 22
	535	+	in the current fiscal year for Program Open Space, the Agricultural Land Preservation 23
	536	+	Fund, the Rural Legacy Program, and the Heritage Conservation Fund. Funds made 24
	537	+	available under this subparagraph shall be allocated as provided under subsection (d) of 25
	538	+	this section. 26
	539	+
	540	+	SECTION 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 27
	541	+	October 1, 2023. Section 3 of this Act shall remain effective for a period of 3 years and, at 28
	542	+	the end of September 30, 2026, Section 3 of this Act, with no further action required by the 29
	543	+	General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 30
	544	+