Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB685 Latest Draft

Bill / Chaptered Version Filed 05/15/2024

                             	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
– 1 – 
Chapter 622 
(House Bill 685) 
 
AN ACT concerning 
 
Economic Development – Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission 
 
FOR the purpose of establishing the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission in 
the Department of Commerce to promote innovation in the fields of space exploration 
and commercial aerospace opportunities; establishing the Maryland Aerospace and 
Technology Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring interest earnings from the 
Fund to be credited to the Fund; and generally relating to the Maryland Aerospace 
and Technology Commission. 
 
BY adding to 
 Article – Economic Development 
Section 10–1101 through 10–1115 5–2501 through 5–2508 to be under the new 
subtitle “Subtitle 11. 25. Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission” 
 Annotated Code of Maryland 
 (2018 Replacement Volume and 2023 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 2023 Supplement) 
 
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 
 Article – State Finance and Procurement 
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)189. and 190. 
 Annotated Code of Maryland 
 (2021 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 
 
BY adding to 
 Article – State Finance and Procurement 
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)191. 
 Annotated Code of Maryland 
 (2021 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 
 
 SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 
 
Article – Economic Development 
 
SUBTITLE 11. 25. MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION. 
  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
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10–1101. 5–2501. 
 
 (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 
INDICATED. 
 
 (B) “BOARD” MEANS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMMISSION. 
 
 (C) “COLLABORATIVE ” MEANS THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE RESEARCH 
AND SPACE ECONOMY COLLABORATIVE . 
 
 (D) (B) “COMMISSION” MEANS THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND 
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION. 
 
 (E) “FUND” MEANS THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY FUND. 
 
 (F) (C) “INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION” MEANS AN EDUCATIONAL 
INSTITUTION IN THE STATE THAT: 
 
 (1) BY LAW OR CHARTER : 
 
 (I) IS A PUBLIC OR NONPR OFIT EDUCATIONAL INS TITUTION; 
AND 
 
 (II) IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVID E: 
 
 1. A PROGRAM OF EDUCATI ON BEYOND THE HIGH 
SCHOOL LEVEL AND AWA RD A BACHELOR ’S OR ADVANCED DEGREE ; OR 
 
 2. A PROGRAM OF 2 OR MORE YEARS ’ DURATION THAT IS 
ACCEPTED FOR FULL CR EDIT TOWARD A BACHEL OR’S DEGREE; AND 
 
 (2) MEETS THE STANDARDS AND RE GULATIONS THAT THE MARYLAND 
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION PRESCRIBES AND IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE A 
CERTIFICATE, DIPLOMA, OR DEGREE UNDER TITLE 12 OF THE EDUCATION 
ARTICLE. 
 
 (G) (D) “ZONE” MEANS THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY 
ZONE AN AEROSPACE AND TECH NOLOGY ZONE DESIGNATED UNDER § 10–1110 §  
5–2507 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 
 
10–1102. 5–2502. 
 
 (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION 
IN THE DEPARTMENT .   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
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 (B) THE COMMISSION IS A BODY POLITIC AND CORPORAT E AND IS A PUBLIC 
INSTRUMENTALITY OF T HE STATE. 
 
 (C) (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION IS TO PROM OTE INNOVATION 
IN THE FIELDS OF SPA CE EXPLORATION AND C OMMERCIAL AEROSPACE 
OPPORTUNITIES , INCLUDING THE INTEGR ATION OF SPACE , AERONAUTICS , AND 
AVIATION INDUSTRIES INTO THE ECON OMY OF THE STATE. 
 
10–1103. 5–2503. 
 
 (A) A BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL MANAG E THE COMMISSION AND 
EXERCISE ITS POWERS . 
 
 (B) (A) THE BOARD COMMISSION CONSISTS OF THE FOLL OWING 
MEMBERS: 
 
 (1) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (2) A MEMBER OF THE SENATE, APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF 
THE SENATE, WHO SHALL SERVE AS A N EX OFFICIO NONVOTI NG MEMBER ; 
 
 (3) A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE 
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, WHO SHALL SERVE AS A N EX OFFICIO NONVOTI NG 
MEMBER; 
 
 (4) THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE 
ADMINISTRATION ’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, OR THE DIRECTOR’S 
DESIGNEE, WHO SHALL SERVE AS A N EX OFFICIO NONVOTI NG MEMBER ; 
 
 (5) THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE 
ADMINISTRATION ’S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY, OR THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (6) (5) THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND 
ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION , OR THE ADMINISTRATOR ’S DESIGNEE, WHO 
SHALL SERVE AS AN EX OFFICIO NONVOTING ME MBER; 
 
 (7) (6) THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF 
INVESTIGATION , OR THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE, WHO SHALL SERVE AS A N EX 
OFFICIO NONVOTING ME MBER; 
 
 (8) (7) THE PRESIDENT OF THE GODDARD CONTRACTORS ’ 
ASSOCIATION, OR THE PRESIDENT ’S DESIGNEE; 
  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
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 (8) THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE 
COUNTY, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (9) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND NAVY ALLIANCE, 
OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE;  
 
 (9) (10) THE PRESIDENT OF THE MARYLAND SPACE BUSINESS 
ROUNDTABLE , OR THE PRESIDENT ’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (10) (11) THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, 
COLLEGE PARK, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (11) (12) THE DIRECTOR OF THE JOHNS HOPKINS APPLIED PHYSICS 
LABORATORY , OR THE DIRECTOR ’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (12) (13) THE DIRECTOR OF THE ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITIES 
FOR RESEARCH IN ASTRONOMY, OR THE DIRECTOR ’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (13) (14) THE DIRECTOR OF THE SPACE TELESCOPE SCIENCE 
INSTITUTE, OR THE DIRECTOR ’S DESIGNEE; AND 
 
 (14) (15) THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR 
WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE: 
 
 (I) A REPRESENTATIV E OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
EDUCATION; 
 
 (II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK 
ENGINEERS;  
 
 (I) (III) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE 
MANUFACTURING COMMUN ITY; AND 
 
 (II) (IV) A REPRESENTATIVE OF 	THE AEROSPACE 
TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY. 
 
 (C) (B) A MEMBER OF THE BOARD COMMISSION: 
 
 (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMP ENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD 
COMMISSION; BUT 
 
 (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER THE 
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 
   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
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 (C) THE COMMISSION AND ITS ME MBERS ARE SUBJECT TO THE MARYLAND 
PUBLIC ETHICS LAW.  
 
 (D) (1) THE TERM OF AN APPOIN TED MEMBER IS 4 YEARS. 
 
 (2) THE TERMS OF THE APPO INTED MEMBERS ARE ST AGGERED AS 
REQUIRED BY THE TERM S PROVIDED FOR MEMBE RS ON OCTOBER 1, 2024. 
 
 (3) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER CONTINUES T O SERVE UNTIL 
A SUCCESSOR IS APPOI NTED AND QUALIFIES . 
 
 (4) A MEMBER WHO IS APPOIN TED AFTER A TERM HAS BEGUN SERVES 
ONLY FOR THE REST OF THE TERM UNTIL A SUC CESSOR IS APPOINTED AND 
QUALIFIES. 
 
 (E) (1) THIS SUBSECTION APPLI ES TO A MEMBER WHO I S APPOINTED BY 
THE GOVERNOR UNDER SUBSEC TION (B) OF THIS SECTION. 
 
 (2) THE GOVERNOR MAY REMOVE AN APPOINTED MEMBER FOR 
INCOMPETENCE , MISCONDUCT , OR FAILURE TO PERFOR M THE DUTIES OF THE 
POSITION A MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH OR WITH OUT CAUSE. 
 
 (F) FROM AMONG ITS MEMBER S, THE BOARD COMMISSION SHALL ELECT A 
CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR . 
 
10–1104. 
 
 (A) (1) SUBJECT TO THE APPROV AL OF THE GOVERNOR, THE BOARD 
SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. 
 
 (2) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERVES AT TH E PLEASURE OF THE 
BOARD. 
 
 (3) THE BOARD SHALL DETERMINE THE SALARY OF THE EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR. 
 
 (B) (1) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE 
OFFICER OF THE COMMISSION. 
 
 (2) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL MANAGE THE 
ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAI RS AND TECHNICAL ACT IVITIES OF THE COMMISSION IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH POLI CIES AND PROCEDURES THAT THE BOARD ESTABLISHES . 
  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
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 (C) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S 
DESIGNEE, SHALL: 
 
 (1) ATTEND ALL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD; 
 
 (2) ACT AS SECRETARY OF THE BOARD; 
 
 (3) KEEP MINUTES OF ALL PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD; 
 
 (4) APPROVE ALL SALARIES , PER DIEM PAYMENTS , AND ALLOWABLE 
EXPENSES OF THE COMMISSION, ITS EMPLOYEES , AND ITS CONSULTANTS ; 
 
 (5) APPROVE ANY EXPENSES INCIDENTAL TO THE OPERA TION OF THE 
COMMISSION; AND 
 
 (6) PERFORM THE OTHER DU TIES THAT THE BOARD DIRECTS IN 
CARRYING OUT THIS SU BTITLE. 
 
10–1105. 
 
 (A) THE BOARD SHALL EMPLOY AN Y ADDITIONAL PROFESS IONAL AND 
CLERICAL STAFF AS NE CESSARY TO CARRY OUT THIS SUBTITLE. 
 
 (B) (1) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE 
COMMISSION MAY ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH T HE 
DEPARTMENT FOR THE PR OVISION OF ADMINISTR ATIVE SUPPORT TO THE 
COMMISSION BY INDIVID UALS EMPLOYED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT ’S DIVISION OF 
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SECTOR DEVELOPMENT . 
 
 (2) THE COMMISSION SHALL REIM BURSE THE DEPARTMENT FOR 
ANY EXPENSES INCURRE D FOR THE PROVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SU PPORT BY 
EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDA NCE WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 
SUBSECTION. 
 
5–2504. 
 
 (A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF SUPPORT TO THE 
COMMISSION.  
 
 (C) (B) THE BOARD COMMISSION MAY RETAIN CONSULTAN TS AS 
NECESSARY. 
 
10–1106. 
   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
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 (A) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTIONS (B), (C), AND (E) OF THIS 
SECTION, THE COMMISSION IS EXEMPT FROM TITLE 10 AND DIVISION II OF THE 
STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 
 
 (B) (1) THE COMMISSION IS SUBJECT TO: 
 
 (I) THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT; AND 
 
 (II) THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT. 
 
 (2) FOR PURPOSES OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT, A PROJECT SITE 
VISIT OR EDUCATIONAL FIELD TOUR MAY NOT B E CONSIDERED A MEETI NG OF THE 
COMMISSION IF NO ORGA NIZATIONAL BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED . 
 
 (C) THE BOARD, THE OFFICERS AND EMP LOYEES OF THE COMMISSION, 
AND MEMBERS OF ANY A DVISORY COMMITTEE AP POINTED ARE SUBJECT TO THE 
PUBLIC ETHICS LAW. 
 
 (D) THE OFFICERS AND EMPL OYEES OF THE COMMISSION ARE NOT 
SUBJECT TO THE PROVI SIONS OF DIVISION I OF THE STATE PERSONNEL AND 
PENSIONS ARTICLE THAT GOVERN T HE STATE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. 
 
 (E) (1) THE COMMISSION, THE BOARD, AND COMMISSION EMPLOYEES 
ARE SUBJECT TO TITLE 12, SUBTITLE 4 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND 
PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 
 
 (2) THE BOARD, THE OFFICERS AND EMP LOYEES OF THE 
COMMISSION, AND THE MEMBERS OF A NY ADVISORY COMMITTE E APPOINTED SHALL 
DISCLOSE TO THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION WHETHER TH EY ARE EMPLOYED BY 
OR HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN AN ENTIT Y THAT CURRENTLY HAS OR WILL 
APPLY FOR FUNDS OR A N INVESTMENT IN A PR OGRAM ADMINISTERED B Y THE 
COMMISSION. 
 
10–1107. 5–2505. 
 
 (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL : 
 
 (1) ESTABLISH THE AP PROPRIATE STANDARDS AND EXECUTIVE 
BODIES TO ENSURE THE PROPER USE OF FUNDS AUTHORIZED UNDER THI S SUBTITLE 
FOR RESEARCH ; 
 
 (2) (1) IDENTIFY RESEARCH AN D FUNDING OPPORTUNIT IES FOR 
ENTITIES IN THIS STATE THAT: 
  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
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 (I) STRENGTHEN AND ENHAN CE THE STATE’S LEADERSHIP 
POSITION IN CIVIL , COMMERCIAL , AND MILITARY AEROSPA CE RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT ; 
 
 (II) INTEGRATE THE AEROSP ACE INDUSTRY INTO TH E 
ECONOMY OF THE STATE; 
 
 (III) CAPITALIZE, PROMOTE, AND ASSIST IN THE DE VELOPMENT 
OF WORKFORCE TRAININ G TO FURTHE R THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGING 
TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRE D FOR ALL ASPECTS OF SPACE EXPLORATION ; AND 
 
 (IV) DEVELOP PUBLIC –PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS THAT ADVANCE 
BOTH THE STATE’S AEROSPACE INDUSTRY AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY ; 
 
 (3) (2) ESTABLISH ADVISORY C OMMITTEES AS NEEDED; 
 
 (4) PROCURE INSURANCE TH AT THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS 
NECESSARY; 
 
 (5) (3) DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT AEROSPACE–RELATED 
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUN ITIES WITHIN THE STATE IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUT IONS; AND 
 
 (6) (4) EMPLOY DEVELOP AND ANNUALLY UPDATE THE A 
STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPED IN AC CORDANCE WITH § 10–1108 OF THIS SUBTITLE 
§ 5–2506 OF THIS SUBTITLE TO IMPLEMENT THE GOALS OF THE COMMISSION. 
 
 (B) THE BOARD SHALL: 
 
 (1) DIRECT THE ACTIVITIE S OF, ESTABLISH GOALS FOR , AND PROVIDE 
OVERSIGHT TO THE COMMISSION; AND 
 
 (2) DEVELOP AND IMPLEMEN T A STRATEGIC PLAN I N ACCORDANCE 
WITH § 10–1108 OF THIS SUBTITLE TO IMPLEMENT THE GOALS OF THE COMMISSION. 
 
 (C) (1) THE COMMISSION SHALL EMPL OY A CHIEF COMPLIANC E OFFICER 
TO MONITOR AND REPORT TO THE BOARD REGARDING COMPL IANCE WITH THIS 
SUBTITLE. 
 
 (2) THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL ENSURE THAT GRANT 
PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDA NCE WITH THIS SUBTIT LE 
COMPLY WITH THE SUBT ITLE AND ANY REGULAT IONS ADOPTED BY THE   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
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COMMISSION BEFORE THOSE PROPOSALS ARE SUBMIT TED TO THE BOARD FOR 
CONSIDERATION . 
 
10–1108. 5–2506.  
 
 (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL DEVE LOP AND ANNUALLY UPD ATE A 
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR T HE PROMOTION OF SPAC E, AERONAUTICS , AND AVIATION 
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE. 
 
 (B) THE STRATEGIC PLAN DE SCRIBED UNDER SUBSEC TION (A) OF THIS 
SECTION SHALL INCLUD E A LIST OF POTENTIA L PROJECTS THAT FURT HER THE 
PURPOSES OF THE COMMISSION AND , FOR EACH PROJECT , DESCRIBE: 
 
 (1) THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST FOR COMPLETION , INCLUDING A 
POTENTIAL STATE MATCHING COST ; AND 
 
 (2) AN ASSESSMENT OF THE AVAILABILITY OF EXTE RNAL FUNDING 
SOURCES. 
 
 (C) THE STRATEGIC PLAN DE SCRIBED UNDER SUBSEC TION (A) OF THIS 
SECTION MAY INCLUDE ANY OTHER INFORMATIO N THAT THE COMMISSION 
DETERMINES TO BE REL EVANT TO FURTHERING THE PURPO SES OF THE 
COMMISSION. 
 
10–1109. 
 
 (A) IN THIS SECTION, “ELIGIBLE ENTITY” MEANS: 
 
 (1) A BUSINESS OR NONPRO FIT INVOLVED IN SPAC E EXPLORATION ; 
 
 (2) A GOVERNMENTAL ENTIT Y; OR 
 
 (3) AN INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION THAT CONDUCTS 
AEROSPACE RESEARCH W ITHIN THE STATE. 
 
 (B) THE COMMISSION MAY PROVID E GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES FOR 
THE PURPOSE OF : 
 
 (1) DEVELOPMENT OF EMERG ING TECHNOLOGIES REQ UIRED FOR 
ANY ASPECT OF HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT; 
 
 (2) RESEARCH INVOLVING S PACE EXPLORATION AND SPACE FLIGHT; 
  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
– 10 – 
 (3) WORKFORCE TRAINING T O PROMOTE SPACE EXPL ORATION AND 
SPACE FLIGHT; AND 
 
 (4) DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPRO VEMENTS 
THAT ENHANCE THE STATE’S ABILITY TO COMPETE IN THE AEROSPACE IND USTRY. 
 
 (C) A GRANT AWARDED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE CONS ISTENT 
WITH THE STRATEGIC P LAN DEVELOPED BY THE COMMISSION. 
 
 (D) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS TO EST ABLISH: 
 
 (1) A COMPETITIVE APPLIC ATION PROCESS ; 
 
 (2) CRITERIA AND PROCEDU RES FOR MAKING AWARD S, INCLUDING 
PRIVATE LEVERAGE REQUIREMENT S FOR AWARDS; AND 
 
 (3) PROCESSES AND METRIC S FOR MONITORING THE SUCCESS AND 
IMPACT OF AWARDS . 
 
10–1110. 5–2507.  
 
 (A) SUBJECT TO THE LIMITA TIONS OF THIS SECTIO N, THE COMMISSION 
SHALL DESIGNATE A MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY ZONE AEROSPACE 
AND TECHNOLOGY ZONES WITHIN THE STATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENCOURAGING 
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT , FACILITATING LAND AC QUISITION, PROVIDING 
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUN ITIES, AND PROMOTING THE AE ROSPACE INDUSTRY 
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIE S OF THE ZONE ZONES. 
 
 (B) THE COMMISSION SHALL DETE RMINE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONE 
ZONES. 
 
 (C) THE COMMISSION SHALL PART NER WITH LOCAL COMMU NITIES TO 
PROMOTE LOCAL AEROSP ACE EDUCATION OPPORT UNITIES WITHIN EACH ZONE AND 
IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES TO CONNECT LOCAL AER OSPACE FACILITIES WI THIN THE 
ZONE TO THE SURROUND ING COMMUNITIES .  
 
10–1111. 
 
 (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND AEROSPACE RESEARCH AND SPACE ECONOMY 
COLLABORATIVE . 
 
 (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE COLLABORATIVE IS TO A DVISE THE COMMISSION 
AND RECOMMEND AND PR OMOTE ACTIONS AND OP PORTUNITIES IN PARTNERSHIP   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
– 11 – 
WITH THE LOCAL COMMU NITY WITHIN THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND 
TECHNOLOGY ZONE DESIGNATED UNDER § 10–1110 OF THIS SUBTITLE . 
 
 (C) THE COLLABORATIVE CONSIST S OF THE FOLLOWING M EMBERS: 
 
 (1) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION, OR THE 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (2) A MEMBER OF THE SENATE, APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF 
THE SENATE; 
 
 (3) A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE 
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 
 
 (4) THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE 
ADMINISTRATION ’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, OR THE DIRECTOR’S 
DESIGNEE; 
 
 (5) THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND 
ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION , OR THE ADMINISTRATOR ’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (6) A REPRESENTATIVE OF 	THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF 
INVESTIGATION , DESIGNATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF 
INVESTIGATION ; 
 
 (7) THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, OR THE 
COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (8) THE MANAGER OF THE CITY OF GREENBELT, OR THE MANAGER’S 
DESIGNEE; 
 
 (9) THE MANAGER OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, OR THE 
MANAGER’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (10) THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE 
PARK, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (11) THE PRESIDENT OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COMMUNITY 
COLLEGE, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE; 
 
 (12) THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY 
PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, OR THE SUPERINTENDENT ’S DESIGNEE; AND 
 
 (13) THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR:  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
– 12 – 
 
 (I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GODDARD CONTRACTORS ’ 
ASSOCIATION; 
 
 (II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER GROUP 
WITHIN THE ZONE; AND 
 
 (III) A MEMBER OF THE AERO	SPACE MANUFACTURING 
INDUSTRY. 
 
 (D) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION SHALL CHAI R THE 
COLLABORATIVE . 
 
 (E) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE COLLABORATIVE . 
 
 (F) A MEMBER OF THE COLLABORATIVE : 
 
 (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMP ENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 
COLLABORATIVE ; BUT 
 
 (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER THE 
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 
 
 (G) (1) THE TERM OF AN APPOIN TED MEMBER IS 4 YEARS. 
 
 (2) THE TERMS OF THE APPO INTED MEMBERS ARE ST AGGERED AS 
REQUIRED BY THE TERM S PROVIDED FOR MEMBE RS ON OCTOBER 1, 2024. 
 
 (3) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER CONTINUES T O SERVE UNTIL 
A SUCCESSOR IS APPOI NTED AND QUALIFIES . 
 
 (4) A MEMBER WHO IS APPOINTED AFTER A TERM HAS BEG UN SERVES 
ONLY FOR THE REST OF THE TERM UNTIL A SUC CESSOR IS APPOINTED AND 
QUALIFIES. 
 
 (H) THE COLLABORATIVE SHALL D EVELOP PLANS TO : 
 
 (1) IMPROVE LOCAL AEROSP ACE EDUCATION OPPORT UNITIES 
WITHIN THE ZONE; 
 
 (2) UPGRADE AND IMPROVE PH	YSICAL INFRASTRUCTUR E 
SURROUNDING : 
   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
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 (I) THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 
ADMINISTRATION HEADQU ARTERS; 
 
 (II) THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE 
ADMINISTRATION ’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER; AND 
 
 (III) THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK; 
 
 (3) ENSURE THAT PUBLIC T RANSPORTATION TO AND FROM LOCAL 
AEROSPACE LEADERS IS ACCESSIBLE AND AFFOR DABLE TO THE LOCAL 
COMMUNITY ; 
 
 (4) WORK WITH BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS WITHIN THE ZONE TO 
DEVELOP AND IMPLEMEN T STRATEGIES TO CONNECT THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS 
AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER TO THE 
SURROUNDING COMMUNIT Y; AND 
 
 (5) ASSESS AND IMPROVE P UBLIC SAFETY WITHIN ALL AREAS OF THE 
ZONE. 
 
 (I) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND EVERY 2 YEARS THEREAFTER , 
THE COLLABORATIVE SHALL S UBMIT A REPORT OF TH E PLANS DEVELOPED UN DER 
SUBSECTION (H) OF THIS SECTION TO T HE COMMISSION. 
 
10–1112. 
 
 (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY FUND IN THE 
COMMISSION. 
 
 (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO PROMOTE T HE 
GROWTH OF THE SPACE EXPLORATION AND AERO SPACE TECHNOLOGY IND USTRIES 
IN THE STATE IN A MANNER CON SISTENT WITH THE COMMISSION’S STRATEGIC 
PLAN. 
 
 (C) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADMI NISTER THE FUND. 
 
 (D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT 
SUBJECT TO REVERSION UNDER § 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 :  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
– 14 – 
 
 (1) MONEY APPROPRIA TED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; 
 
 (2) INTEREST EARNINGS ; AND 
 
 (3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 
 
 (F) THE COMMISSION MAY USE TH E FUND TO: 
 
 (1) AWARD GRANTS IN ACCO RDANCE WITH § 10–1109 OF THIS 
SUBTITLE; AND 
 
 (2) PAY THE COSTS NECESS ARY TO IMPLEMENT THI S SUBTITLE AND 
TO ADMINISTER THE FUND. 
 
 (G) THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL AN 
APPROPRIATION TO THE FUND. 
 
 (H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND 
IN THE SAME MANNER AS O THER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. 
 
 (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 . 
 
10–1113. 
 
 THE COMMISSION IS EXEMPT FROM STATE AND LOCAL TAXES . 
 
10–1114. 
 
 THE BOOKS AND RECORDS OF THE COMMISSION ARE SUBJEC T TO AUDIT: 
 
 (1) AT ANY TIME BY THE STATE; AND 
 
 (2) EACH YEAR BY AN INDE PENDENT AUDITOR . 
 
10–1115. 5–2508.  
 
 (A) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE COMMISSION SHALL 
SUBMIT A REPORT TO T HE GOVERNOR, THE MARYLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT   	WES MOORE, Governor 	Ch. 622 
 
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COMMISSION, AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT 
ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 
 
 (B) THE REPORT SHALL INCL UDE A COMPLETE OPERATING A ND FINANCIAL 
STATEMENT AND SUMMAR IZE THE ACTIVITIES O F THE COMMISSION DURING THE 
PRECEDING FISCAL YEA R: 
 
 (1) A SUMMARY OF THE ACT IVITIES OF THE COMMISSION DURING THE 
PRECEDING FISCAL YEA R; AND 
 
 (2) A CURRENT COPY OF TH E STRATEGIC PL AN DEVELOPED UNDER § 
5–2506 OF THIS SUBTITLE . 
 
 (C) IN ADDITION TO THE IN FORMATION REQUIRED U NDER SUBSECTION (B) 
OF THIS SECTION, THE REPORT SHALL INC LUDE: 
 
 (1) A REVIEW OF EACH GRA NT APPLICATION SUBMI TTED TO THE 
COMMISSION DURING THE PRECEDING FISCAL YEAR, REGARDLESS OF WHETHE R 
THE GRANT APPLICATIO N WAS FUNDED BY THE COMMISSION OR WITHDRA WN AFTER 
SUBMISSION; AND 
 
 (2) A REVIEW OF THE GRAN T–FUNDED ACTIVITIES UN DERTAKEN BY 
EACH GRANT RECIPIENT . 
 
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: 
 
 189. the Teacher Retention and Development Fund; [and] 
 
 190. the Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Fund; AND 
 
 191. THE MARYLAND AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY 
FUND. 
  Ch. 622 	2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND  
 
– 16 – 
 SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the terms of the initial 
appointed members of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Aerospace and Technology 
Commission shall expire as follows: 
 
 (1) one member in 2025; and 
 
 (2) one member in 2026; 
 
 (3) one member in 2027; and 
 
 (4) one member in 2028. 
 
 SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the terms of the initial 
appointed members of the Maryland Aerospace Research and Space Economy Collaborative 
shall expire as follows: 
 
 (1) one member in 2025; 
 
 (2) one member in 2026; and 
 
 (3) one member in 2027. 
 
 SECTION 4. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Maryland Aerospace 
and Technology Commission shall may hire a consultant to advise the Commission during 
the first 2 years of the Commission’s existence to aid in the development and 
implementation of the strategic plan described under § 10–1108 § 5–2506 of the Economic 
Development Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act. 
 
 SECTION 5. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 
October 1, 2024. 
 
Approved by the Governor, May 9, 2024.