In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commission” means the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission. “Institution of higher education” means an educational institution in the State that: by law or charter: is a public or nonprofit educational institution; and is authorized to provide: a program of education beyond the high school level and award a bachelor’s or advanced degree; or a program of 2 or more years’ duration that is accepted for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree; and meets the standards and regulations that the Maryland Higher Education Commission prescribes and is authorized to issue a certificate, diploma, or degree under Title 12 of the Education Article. “Zone” means an aerospace and technology zone designated under § 5–2607 of this subtitle.

There is a Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission in the Department. The purpose of the Commission is to promote innovation in the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace opportunities, including the integration of space, aeronautics, and aviation industries into the economy of the State.

The Commission consists of the following members: the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee; a member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, who shall serve as an ex officio nonvoting member; a member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House, who shall serve as an ex officio nonvoting member; the Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Goddard Space Flight Center, or the Director’s designee, who shall serve as an ex officio nonvoting member; the president of the Goddard Contractors’ Association, or the president’s designee; the President of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, or the President’s designee; the President of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, or the President’s designee; the president of the Maryland Space Business Roundtable, or the president’s designee; the President of the University of Maryland, College Park, or the President’s designee; the director of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, or the director’s designee; the director of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, or the director’s designee; the director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, or the director’s designee; and the following members, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate: a representative of institutions of higher education; a representative of the National Society of Black Engineers; two representatives of the Maryland aerospace manufacturing community; and two representatives of the aerospace technology industry. A member of the Commission: may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Commission and its members are subject to the Maryland Public Ethics Law. The term of an appointed member is 4 years. The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2024. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term until a successor is appointed and qualifies. The Governor may remove a member appointed by the Governor with or without cause. From among its members, the Commission shall elect a chair and vice chair.

The Department shall provide staff support to the Commission. The Commission may retain consultants as necessary.

The Commission shall: identify research and funding opportunities for entities in this State that: strengthen and enhance the State’s leadership position in civil, commercial, and military aerospace research and development; integrate the aerospace industry into the economy of the State; capitalize, promote, and assist in the development of workforce training to further the development of emerging technologies required for all aspects of space exploration; and develop public–private partnerships that advance both the State’s aerospace industry and the surrounding community; establish advisory committees as needed; develop aerospace–related educational opportunities within the State in coordination with local educational institutions; and develop and annually report on progress in implementing a strategic plan developed in accordance with § 5–2606 of this subtitle to implement the goals of the Commission.

The Commission shall: develop a strategic plan for the promotion of space, aeronautics, and aviation economic development in the State; update the strategic plan at least every 5 years; and annually report on progress in implementing the strategic plan. The strategic plan developed under subsection (a) of this section shall include a list of potential projects that further the purposes of the Commission and, for each project, describe: the estimated total cost for completion; and an assessment of the availability of external funding sources. The strategic plan developed under subsection (a) of this section may include any other information that the Commission determines to be relevant to furthering the purposes of the Commission.

Subject to the limitations of this section, the Commission shall designate aerospace and technology zones within the State for the purpose of encouraging business development, facilitating land acquisition, providing educational opportunities, and promoting the aerospace industry within the boundaries of the zones. The Commission shall determine the boundaries of the zones. The Commission shall partner with local communities to promote local aerospace education opportunities within each zone and implement strategies to connect local aerospace facilities within the zone to the surrounding communities.

On or before October 1 each year, the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor, the Maryland Economic Development Commission, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly. The report shall include: a summary of the activities of the Commission during the preceding fiscal year; a current copy of the strategic plan developed under § 5–2606 of this subtitle; and an update on progress in implementing the strategic plan developed under this subtitle.