1. (a)

   1. (1) A political subdivision may apply to the Secretary to expand an existing enterprise zone in the same manner as the political subdivision would apply to designate a new enterprise zone.
   2. (2) The Secretary may grant an expansion of an enterprise zone into an area that meets the requirements of § 5-704 of this subtitle.

   3. (3) For purposes of § 5-704(b) of this subtitle, an expansion of an enterprise zone that does not exceed 25% of the existing geographic area of the enterprise zone does not count towards the limit on the number of enterprise zones that:

      1. (i) the Secretary may designate in a calendar year; or
      2. (ii) a county may receive in a calendar year.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The Secretary may grant one extraordinary expansion of an enterprise zone in the State each calendar year for an area that:

      1. (i) meets the requirements of § 5-704 of this subtitle; and
      2. (ii) in the determination of the Secretary, has suffered a significant loss of economic base or merits inclusion in an enterprise zone for a compelling economic reason.

   2. (2) For purposes of § 5-704(b) of this subtitle, an extraordinary expansion of an enterprise zone does not count towards the limit on the number of enterprise zones that:

      1. (i) the Secretary may designate in a calendar year; or
      2. (ii) a county may receive in a calendar year.

Added by Acts 2008, c. 306, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2008. Amended by Acts 2022, c. 732, § 1, eff. June 1, 2022.