ABOUT SENATE BILL 435

For the third year in a row, legislators are revisiting the Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program, Senate Bill 435. This is a bill aimed at supporting the development of new makerspaces across the state to support economic development. Makerspaces are typically non-profit organizations that provide facilities, equipment, and materials for people to innovate and learn.

The legislation would distribute money to organizations and local governments for makerspaces in which community members could use a variety of crafting and manufacturing tools, as well as take classes. Advocates of the bill say these centers would develop our future workforce and would help new and existing business owners who cannot afford a traditional office.

To encourage geographic diversity in the distribution of the funds, no more than $250,000 could be awarded to a single jurisdiction annually without special approval.

For more information on this bill, please CLICK HERE