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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland establishes Chamber of Commerce Grant Program for underrepresented members and inter-chamber events
Last action · February 12, 2026: Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsor: Kevin Harris
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland establishes the Maryland of Commerce Grant Program within the Department of Social and Economic Mobility, requiring an annual state budget of $100,000 starting October 1, 2026. The program provides grants to chambers of commerce to subsidize memberships for underrepresented individuals and to fund joint inter-chamber events.
Local s of commerce can apply for state funds to cover first-year lowest-tier memberships for underrepresented individuals and finance joint networking events, backed by a recurring annual state of $100,000.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
chambers of commerce
Chambers can apply for state grants to fund membership subsidies and joint events, provided they meet staffing and reporting requirements.
underrepresented individuals
Eligible individuals can receive 1 year of the lowest-tier chamber membership at no cost.
Key Facts
- Establishes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Grant Program within the Department of Social and Economic Mobility.
- Requires the Governor to include an annual appropriation of $100,000 for the program in the annual budget bill for each fiscal year.
- Provides grants for two primary purposes: membership subsidies for underrepresented individuals and inter-chamber events.
- Requires chambers applying for membership grants to demonstrate programming for new members and annual funding for at least one full-time paid position.
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- Limits membership grants to cover 1 year of the lowest-tier chamber membership at no cost to underrepresented individuals.
- Requires the Department to disburse a membership grant to a chamber within 14 days after the chamber enrolls a member.
- Allows two or more chambers to apply jointly for an inter-chamber grant for venue expenses, event promotion, staff support, and related costs.
- Sets the effective date of the Act as October 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the funding amount allocated for the program?
What are the eligibility requirements for a chamber to receive a membership grant?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 12, 2026SenateHearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 6, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Finance
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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