#MEAction Testifies in Support of Maryland HB 27 to Advance Long COVID Research

Last week, #MEAction joined a Maryland bill hearing to support House Bill 27 (HB 27), a proposal that would create the Maryland Long COVID Research Fund and establish a Long COVID Innovation Grant and Loan Program through the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).

#MEAction’s Scientific Director, Jaime Seltzer, delivered testimony in support of the bill. #MEAction’s Maryland State Chapter lead, Bridget Collins, also testified, highlighting why this issue matters to Marylanders and why timely action is so important.

“For Marylanders with Long COVID who are losing jobs, stability, and quality of life, House Bill 27 funding would be a concrete step towards better diagnostics and more options for treatment,” said Seltzer. “The state can accelerate innovation in treatment and product development, improving care in Maryland and creating a model other states can follow.”

The bill was introduced by Cheryl Lohman, who worked to move it forward and get it in front of Maryland lawmakers. Others testified as well, reflecting the broad concern and shared urgency around Long COVID.

What HB 27 would do

If enacted, HB 27 would require TEDCO to:

• Create a grant and loan program to support Long COVID innovation, including research and related development in Maryland.

• Contract with an independent scientific peer review committee with expertise in Long COVID to review proposals and recommend awards.

• Establish the Maryland Long COVID Research Fund as a dedicated, non-lapsing fund with annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly on progress and awards.
  

Why this matters

Long COVID is a serious, often disabling condition with broad impacts on individuals, families, workplaces, and health systems, and a strong link to ME/CFS. Maryland’s HB 27 represents a meaningful step toward building the infrastructure needed to support research and accelerate progress toward effective treatments and care.

What’s next

HB 27 is part of the Maryland legislative process, and continued engagement from advocates, researchers, and community members will be important as the bill moves forward. #MEAction will continue following the bill and sharing updates as the next steps unfold.