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Bill

SB 519

Relating to a taxable income exemption for taxpayers who are a veteran.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Smith

Creates the Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program and a dedicated fund to improve awareness and access to prostate cancer care in Maryland.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 519

SB 519 — Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program and Fund (Maryland)

Status (selected): Hearing 2/28 at 1:00 p.m. — Introduced 12/02/2024 — Effective date in bill: October 1, 2025

Main purpose

Establish a new Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program and a dedicated Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program Fund in the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to increase public awareness of prostate cancer and improve access to prostate cancer care services across the State.

Key provisions

  • Creates the Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program administered by the Secretary of Health.
    • Grants may be awarded to:
    • Entities and prostate cancer care providers to increase public knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer.
    • Cover travel and related costs for individuals who cannot access prostate cancer care in their communities.
    • Support other initiatives to improve access to prostate cancer care as determined by the Secretary in consultation with organizations focused on culturally competent prostate cancer care.
  • Establishes the Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program Fund:
    • Special, nonlapsing fund held by the State Treasurer and administered by MDH.
    • Fund sources: appropriations, interest earnings, and other money accepted for the fund.
    • Interest earnings credited to the fund and investments handled like other State funds.
    • Expenditures from the fund are subject to the State budget.
  • Amends State Finance and Procurement law to list this fund among those exempted from a general interest sweep to the General Fund (ensuring interest can remain in the special fund).
  • Funding directives:
    • By October 1, 2025 the Governor must allocate at least $100,000 to the fund by budget amendment for FY 2026.
    • For FY 2027 and FY 2028, the Governor must include $100,000 annually for the program in the State budget bill.
  • Effective date: October 1, 2025.

Who is affected / likely beneficiaries

  • Primary beneficiaries: Maryland residents who face barriers to prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment — including those in underserved or rural areas.
  • Grantees: local health departments, community organizations, health care providers, and other entities that apply for grants to improve awareness and access.
  • Maryland Department of Health: responsible for administering grants, creating eligibility and application processes, and managing the fund.

Fiscal impact and timeline

  • FY 2026: MDH general fund expenditures increase by $100,000 (discretionary funds to capitalize the new special fund), with corresponding special fund revenue/expenditure.
  • FY 2027–FY 2028: Mandated $100,000 annual appropriations to the program; MDH general fund expenditures increase by $100,000 in each year (with special fund activity accordingly).
  • Interest earnings of the fund may provide minimal General Fund revenue through FY 2028 because of other statutory interest-sweep provisions; the bill expressly exempts this new fund going forward.
  • The program is permanent, but the bill specifies appropriations only through FY 2028; continued program activity beyond FY 2028 would require further appropriations or other funding sources.

Administrative and policy notes

  • MDH will develop eligibility guidelines and application procedures; the Secretary will consult with organizations focused on culturally competent prostate cancer care when determining other eligible initiatives.
  • Local governments and health departments that receive grants could see minimal increases in revenues and expenditures.
  • The bill does not change existing insurance mandates for prostate cancer screening.

If you want, I can draft a one-page fact sheet for outreach partners (eligibility summary, application steps, timeline) or extract the exact statutory language for the fund and grant program.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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