CivicKnodeCivicKnowA project of CivicKnode
Sign in

HB 461

EnactedCrossfile SB 300
Add to calendar

Economic Development - Rural Readiness Program and Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund - Establishment

Sponsor: Natalie Ziegler (District 9A)Committee: Economic MattersSubject: Economic DevelopmentStatus: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 543 (as of Sep 4, 2026)

What this bill does

Official synopsis

Establishing the Rural Readiness Program administered by the Rural Maryland Council to provide assistance to rural communities to enhance their capacity for economic development; requiring priority to be given when making certain grants to entities that have completed the Rural Readiness Program; and establishing the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund to be administered by the Council to provide grants to support collaborative planning and capacity building initiatives that address the needs of rural communities.

AI analysis is off. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY to enable summaries, pros and cons, and questions.

Analysis reads the bill text, the fiscal note, and the witness list. It is generated by Claude and reviewed by nobody, so check the source documents before you rely on it.

Testimony (17)

MGA witness list
FAV 15FavorableFWA 1Favorable with amendmentsINFO 1Information only

Organizations on record

Registered lobbyists who testified

FAVWiggins, GrasonMaryland Chamber of CommerceRegistered for: Maryland Chamber of Commerce; United Way of Central Maryland, Inc.; Madison Marquette Property Investments LLC; Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund; Family Tree, The; OVG Facilities
FAVReinhardt, RichardPercy Public Affairs, LLCRegistered for: Allegany County Historical Society; Allegany Museum, Inc.; City of Cumberland; City of Frostburg; Diamond Game; Inncuvate Community Development Partners, Inc.
FAVRedding, NicholasPreservation MarylandRegistered for: Preservation Maryland
FAVHaddaway-Riccio, JeannieR&R SolutionsRegistered for: Araminta USA; Dorchester County, Maryland; For All Seasons; Maryland Farm Bureau; Talbot Watermen's Association; Tetrus Corp.
FAVSnow, RyanR&R SolutionsRegistered for: Araminta USA; Dorchester County, Maryland; For All Seasons; Maryland Farm Bureau; Talbot Watermen's Association; Tetrus Corp.
FWASharif, HumnaThe Nature ConservancyRegistered for: Nature Conservancy, The