All Roll Calls
Yes: 172 • No: 0
MarylandHB 09472026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program - Alterations
Sponsored By: Sheree Sample-Hughes (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Hunting and FishingBoundariesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Emergency BillsFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFishing Nets and DevicesInvasive Species -see also- Animals; Insects; PlantsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPilot ProgramsReportsSunset
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Pilot expands blue catfish harvest rules
The Department of Natural Resources runs a pilot to cut invasive blue catfish. It includes for-hire and commercial trips, a trotline program south of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, a gill net program, and other methods. The Department can let eligible operators run for-hire and commercial trips at the same time and change rules to raise harvests. It allows finfish trotlines south of the bridge where feasible and can close spots to avoid bycatch or conflicts. The Department considers authorizing electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet, no hook limits, and non‑corrodible hooks, and expands practices that work. The law is in effect now and ends June 30, 2030.
New $15 catfish commercial license
You can get a commercial blue and flathead catfish license to sell fish in Maryland tidal waters. It allows blue catfish by finfish trotline or a gill net with mesh no more than 7 inches, and flathead catfish by finfish trotline. The license costs $15 per year, runs September 1 to August 31, is nontransferable, and you must have it with you while fishing. You do not need a tidal fish license to apply.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Sheree Sample-Hughes
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Christopher T. Adams
Republican • House
H. Kevin Anderson
Republican • House
Steven J. Arentz
Republican • House
Barry Beauchamp
Republican • House
Regina T. Boyce
Democratic • House
Robin L. Grammer
Republican • House
Wayne A. Hartman
Republican • House
Anne Healey
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Ryan Nawrocki
Republican • House
Kathy Szeliga
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2
House vote • 3/18/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 129 • No: 0 • Other: 6
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 41
4/14/2026Returned Passed
4/8/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (43-0)
4/8/2026SenateFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/3/2026SenateFavorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
4/2/2026SenateReferred Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/19/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (129-0)
3/18/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/17/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {273129/1 Adopted
3/17/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
3/16/2026HouseHearing 2/27 at 1:30 p.m.
2/26/2026HouseHearing canceled
2/26/2026HouseHearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
2/10/2026HouseFirst Reading Environment and Transportation
2/5/2026House
Bill Text
Enacted
4/14/2026
Third Reading
3/17/2026
First Reading
2/5/2026
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