The General Assembly Committee voted 4–0 on March 11 to support House Bill 13 64 / Senate Bill 894, legislation setting governance for Maryland's Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, which channels cannabis-related revenue to communities affected by past drug policy.

What the bill does: Committee presenters explained the bill sets administration and oversight provisions for the fund, establishes an advisory board and clarifies distribution responsibilities. Presenters said a drafting error in an initial version shifted administration language, but sponsors will offer an amendment keeping administration under the Comptroller's office while clarifying county roles in planning and distribution. The fund is financed by state cannabis sales tax (currently cited at 9%); presenters noted a governor proposal to raise the rate to 15% has been discussed in Annapolis.

County concerns and action: Lorenzo Bellamy and other presenters said the county supports the bill if proposed amendments address local concerns. The committee moved a favorable position with Mako (county association) amendment requests intended to preserve county flexibility over distribution, increase transparency and limit overly prescriptive mandates. The motion passed 4–0.

Clarifying fiscal figures: Presenters noted combined adult-use cannabis sales generated roughly $1,000,000,000 in statewide sales and that an estimated $120,000,000 was allocated to the community fund in 2024 (figures provided by presenters during testimony).

Next steps: Staff will work with the county's delegation and Mako to review sponsor amendments and to ensure counties retain appropriate implementation authority and reporting safeguards.