WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
– 1 –
Chapter 623
(Senate Bill 516)
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. 623 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. 623
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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. 623 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;
(11) THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE
PARK, OR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGNEE;
(10) 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 MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR
WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE:
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGH ER
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
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
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(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
(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 SER VES
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 B Y 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 ADMI NISTRATIVE
OFFICER OF THE COMMISSION.
Ch. 623 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(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 .
(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 OP ERATION 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 ANY ADD ITIONAL PROFESSIONAL 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 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPO RT 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 ADMINISTRATI VE SUPPORT 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.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
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(C) (B) THE BOARD COMMISSION MAY RETAIN CONSULTAN TS AS
NECESSARY.
10–1106.
(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 EMPLOYEES 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 THE 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 ADMINISTE RED BY THE
COMMISSION.
10–1107. 5–2505.
(A) THE COMMISSION SHALL :
Ch. 623 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(1) ESTABLISH THE APPROP RIATE 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 OPPORTUNITIES FOR
ENTITIES IN THIS STATE THAT:
(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 FURTHER THE DEV ELOPMENT 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 IMP LEMENT 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 IMP LEMENT THE GOALS OF THE COMMISSION.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
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(C) (1) THE COMMISSION SHALL EMPL OY A CHIEF COMPLIANC E OFFICER
TO MONITOR AND REPOR T 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
COMMISSION BEFORE THO SE PROPOSALS ARE SUB MITTED TO THE BOARD FOR
CONSIDERATION .
10–1108.
5–2506.
(A) THE COMMISSION SHALL DEVELOP AND AN NUALLY UPDATE 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 T HAT FURTHER 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 DESCR IBED UNDER SUBSECTIO N (A) OF THIS
SECTION MAY INCLUDE ANY OTHER INFORMATIO N THAT THE COMMISSION
DETERMINES TO BE REL EVANT TO FURTHERING THE PURPOSES OF THE
COMMISSION.
10–1109.
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “ELIGIBLE ENTITY” MEANS:
(1) A BUSINESS OR NONPROFI T INVOLVED IN SPACE EXPLORATION ;
(2) A GOVERNMENTAL ENTIT Y; OR
(3) AN INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION THAT CONDUCTS
AEROSPACE RESEARCH W ITHIN THE STATE.
Ch. 623 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(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;
(3) WORKFORCE TRAINING T O PROMOTE SPACE EXPL ORATION AND
SPACE FLIGHT; AND
(4) DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
THAT ENHANCE THE STATE’S ABILITY TO COMPETE IN THE AEROSPACE IND USTRY.
(C) A GRANT AWARDED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHAL L BE CONSISTENT
WITH THE STRATEGIC P LAN DEVELOPED BY THE COMMISSION.
(D) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS TO ESTABL ISH:
(1) A COMPETITIVE APPLIC ATION PROCESS ;
(2) CRITERIA AND PROCEDU RES FOR MAKING AWARD S, INCLUDING
PRIVATE LEVERAGE REQ UIREMENTS 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 WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
– 11 –
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 PARTN ERSHIP
WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 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;
Ch. 623 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(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:
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GODDARD CONTRACTORS ’
ASSOCIATION;
(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A REAL ESTATE DEVELO PER 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 RECE IVE COMPENSATION 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 APPOINTED MEMBER S ARE STAGGERED 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. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
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(H) THE COLLABORATIVE SHALL D EVELOP PLANS TO :
(1) IMPROVE LOCAL AEROSP ACE EDUCATION OPPORT UNITIES
WITHIN THE ZONE;
(2) UPGRADE AND IMPROVE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCT URE
SURROUNDING :
(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 TRANSPORTATIO N 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 CONN ECT 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 O F THE PLANS DEVELOPE D UNDER
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 FU NDING TO PROMOTE THE
GROWTH OF THE SPACE EXPLORATION AND AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIE S
IN THE STATE IN A MANNER CON SISTENT WITH THE COMMISSION’S STRATEGIC
PLAN.
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADMI NISTER THE FUND. Ch. 623 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(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 :
(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED I N 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 THIS 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 A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE INVESTED.
(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO
THE FUND.
(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
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: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 623
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(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
COMMISSION, AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
(B) THE REPORT SHALL INCL UDE A COMPLETE OPERATING AND 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 PLAN DEV ELOPED UNDER §
5–2506 OF THIS SUBTITLE .
(C) IN ADDITION TO THE IN FORMATION REQUIRE D UNDER 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 YEA R, 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. Ch. 623 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 16 –
(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.
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 ini tial
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.