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 – 2 – 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 – 3 – (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 – 4 – (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 – 5 – (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 – 6 – (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 – 7 – (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 – 8 – (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 – 9 – 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 – 13 – (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 – 15 – 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.