In this subtitle, “Commission” means the Historic St. Mary’s City Fort to 400 Commission.

There is a Historic St. Mary’s City Fort to 400 Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to plan, produce, and facilitate materials, events, and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland.

The Commission consists of the following members: two members of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; the Secretary of Budget and Management or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Natural Resources or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Planning or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary’s designee; one representative of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs; one representative of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture; one representative of the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission; one representative of the Maryland Rediscovery 400 initiative; and five members with relevant interest or expertise, appointed by the Governor. To the extent practicable, the membership of the Commission and any advisory committees established in accordance with § 9–3405 of this subtitle shall be representative of the diverse communities and regions within the State. The Governor shall designate the Chair of the Commission. The Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts shall provide staff for the Commission, assisted by the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland State Archives. 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. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by the Governor.

The Commission shall: coordinate the planning and implementation of activities and events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland; promote the identification, documentation, and preservation of historical and cultural resources related to the founding of Maryland; assist in protecting, improving, and developing existing educational and interpretive institutions, sites, and museums in promoting the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland; ensure development of a model social studies curriculum on the founding of Maryland; promote nationally and internationally the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland; ensure that commemorative activities, events, and products provide lasting value and public benefits beyond the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland; secure support and financial resources to implement events and activities planned and assisted by the Commission, including the formation of an appropriate legal entity; provide leadership for and coordinate economic development opportunities in and around St. Mary’s City to promote the region for future generations; and perform other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Commission.

The Chair of the Commission shall establish advisory committees related to: development and sponsor relations; resource stewardship and visitor experience; education and curriculum; programs and events; transportation and capital infrastructure; communications and marketing; operations and management; and any other aspect of the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland that the Chair considers necessary. The Chair of the Commission shall appoint advisory committee members who broadly represent public and private interests. Advisory committee members serve at the pleasure of the Chair of the Commission.

The Commission shall meet at least twice each year at times and places to be determined by the Chair. The Commission: shall adopt procedures for the transaction of business; and may establish a nonprofit organization to receive funds for the Commission.

On or before September 1, 2022, the Commission shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly a report containing the Commission’s plan of action for the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland. On or before November 1, 2022, and each November 1 thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly a report that includes: an update on the plan of action submitted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section; implementation timetables and benchmarks; and recommendations for legislative, administrative, and other actions the Commission deems necessary to further its mission.