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MarylandHB 02502026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Environment - Appropriation or Use of Water and Dam Safety - Enforcement

Sponsored By: Darrell Odom (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHearingsLiensLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFANatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.NoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPersonal PropertyReal PropertyRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)WaiversWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Water PollutionWetlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher fines for illegal dredging or filling

Beginning July 1, 2026, unlawful dredging or filling faces steep penalties. Civil fines are up to $10,000 for each day of violation. Administrative fines are up to $5,000 per day, capped at $100,000. Each day counts as a separate violation. A court can order you to stop and restore the area. Before suing for a penalty, the Department must send written notice and offer an informal meeting. Unpaid penalties are debts and can become liens on your property.

Higher fines for water and dam violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department can fine violators of water use and dam safety rules. Civil penalties are up to $10,000 for each day the violation continues. Administrative fines are up to $5,000 per day, capped at $100,000 for a single matter, after a chance for a hearing. Each day counts as a separate violation. Unpaid penalties are debts to the State and can become liens on real and personal property.

Clean Water Fund: money in and uses

Beginning July 1, 2026, most enforcement money and fees go to the Maryland Clean Water Fund. Money tied to unsafe conditions goes to the Private Dam Repair Fund. The Clean Water Fund pays for monitoring discharges, protecting ground and surface water, fixing erosion and sediment control failures, and emergency sewage sludge cleanup. It also supports related programs and can pay counties for extra sludge site inspections and monitoring. County contracts for sludge monitoring are capped at 45% of generator fees for sludge from outside the county or service area.

Faster orders, clearer hearings in water cases

The Department can order fixes or reports as soon as it serves a complaint. Orders take effect when served. If you get an order, you can ask for a hearing within 10 days. For orders that claim an imminent danger, the hearing and decision both happen within 10 days. The Department can subpoena witnesses and records and ask a court to enforce subpoenas. Before seeking penalties, the Department gives written notice and a chance for an informal meeting. It also reviews good‑faith applications for Private Dam Repair Fund loans. Before suing a local government, the Department first meets with it to try to resolve the issue. These rules apply beginning July 1, 2026.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 202 • No: 241

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 12 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/18/2026

Floor Amendment {993025/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 97 • Other: 7

House vote • 3/18/2026

Floor Amendment {773227/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 95 • Other: 9

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 37 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 273

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (32-12)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/6/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/3/2026Senate

  7. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (96-37)

    3/18/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026House

  10. Floor Amendment {773227/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected (37-95)

    3/18/2026House

  11. Floor Amendment {993025/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected (37-97)

    3/18/2026House

  12. Motion Special Order until 03/18 (Delegate Adams) Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {933520/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/16/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/19/2026House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/14/2026House

  17. Pre-filed

    9/25/2025House

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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