During the legislative session, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources follows many bills that may impact the agency and the customers it serves.
Departmental Bills Passed into Law
HB 106 - Environmental Trust Fund - Surcharge Extension
This departmental bill extends the environmental surcharge that generates revenue for the Environmental Trust Fund (ETF) through fiscal 2030. - Effective June 1, 2019
SB 7 - Natural Resources – Regulation and Use of Commercial Finfish Gear
This departmental bill repeals the June 30, 2019 termination provision of Chapter 86 of 2016, making the Act permanent. The bill also establishes a commercial blue and flathead catfish finfish trotline license and authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to adopt regulations to authorize the use of a monofilament gill net to catch fish. - Effective June 1, 2019
SB 10 - Natural Resources - Oysters, Clams, and Clamming - Licenses and Regulations
This departmental bill (1) repeals duplicative license requirements; (2) modifies the definition of “shinnecock rake”; (3) clarifies a provision that allows for specified harvesting of hard-shell clams in Worcester County; and (4) authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), to adopt regulations to carry out the requirements of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). -
Effective October 1, 2019
SB 877 - Waterway Improvement Fund - Public Boating Construction Projects - Financing Limits
This departmental bill increases the maximum limit on the cost of a local construction project beneficial to the boating public which the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF) may finance completely (without local funding), regardless of its location. The bill increases the limit on the cost of the projects from “less than $100,000” to “$250,000 or less.” - Effective July 1, 2019
To read individual bills, fiscal notes and to obtain complete information about hearings and voting sessions, please visit the Maryland General Assembly website.