Maryland Tech Council General Assembly Weekly Report

Week ending February 5, 2021

There were two bill hearings of interest to the Tech Council this week.  House Bill 654: Maryland Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Incentive Program, which establishes the Maryland Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Incentive Program administered by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation.  The purpose of the fund is to foster job creation and economic development in the State by promoting the commercialization of research conducted by small businesses, facilitating the transfer of technology from universities and federal research laboratories to small businesses, and encouraging small businesses to apply for National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research Grants and Small Business Technology Transfer Grants.  Marty Rosendale testified in support of the legislation before the House Ways and Means Committee.

Also, heard was House Bill 419: Economic Development – Advanced Clean Energy and Clean Energy Innovation Investments and Initiatives, which had not previously been addressed by the Council’s legislative committee but was brought to the attention of the Counsel by Gene Harrington who recommended the Council support the legislation.  Gene Harrington indicated the Council’s interest in his testimony on the bill and it will be discussed on the next legislative call.