With the 2026 legislative session officially over, it’s time to look at a few of the accomplishments that will support work, wages, and wealth across Maryland.

“Our partners in the Maryland General Assembly closed out their 2026 legislative session with some major wins for economic development in the state,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. in an earlier statement, noting the passage of the DECADE Act of 2026, a comprehensive proposal to make Maryland’s economy stronger and more competitive through enhancements to programs like the Sunny Day Fund, Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA), and RISE Zones.

“Provisions in the Fiscal 2027 budget support these efforts with business tax cuts, major investments in education and workforce, and additional funds to make Maryland the Capital of Quantum,” Coker added.

The DECADE Act helps reinvigorate the state’s approach to economic development and alters several existing state finance and tax credit programs, which will help maximize returns on investments. The law will move the Sunny Day Program, also known as the Economic Development Opportunities Program Fund, under the administration of the Maryland Department of Commerce. The program will be rebranded as the Strategic Closing Fund while the department realigns the program’s focus to bolster business attraction.

The MSBDFA Program has been improved to continue supporting small businesses throughout Maryland, by increasing the maximum amount of assistance that can be provided in order to match modern needs. The DECADE Act also extends the sunset date for multiple programs, including the Build Our Future Grant Program (2030); Research and Development Tax Credit (2031); Job Creation Tax Credit (2032); and Theatrical Production Tax Credit (2032).