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MarylandSB 05232026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Department of Natural Resources - Water Resources - Identification of Vernal Pools (Jack Cover Vernal Pools Act of 2026)

Sponsored By: Mary Washington (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkBoundariesClassifications and DesignationsDredgingEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFlood ControlJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMaps and ChartsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPermits -see also- Building PermitsPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsRivers, Streams, and LakesRules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesState Universities and CollegesWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Water PollutionWetlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Farms and forests exempt from rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, agricultural and forestry activities are not treated as regulated activities under this law. If your work meets the statute’s farm or forestry definitions, you avoid the new vernal‑pool permitting and mitigation steps. Check the definitions to confirm your activity qualifies.

New permit rules near vernal pools

Beginning October 1, 2026, digging, filling, grading, changing drainage, or removing plants in or near a listed vernal pool is regulated. The Environment Department requires you to avoid harm first, then reduce it, and then pay for or do mitigation for any remaining harm. When a listed pool lies in your permit area, the permit must include protections for that pool. Buffers and mitigation follow the State’s non‑tidal wetland approach when practicable. Only pools the State lists or that are documented by approved methods or a certified delineator are covered. If a pool meets non‑tidal wetland rules, those rules still apply.

Statewide vernal pool list and mapping

Beginning October 1, 2026, Natural Resources and the Environment Departments create and keep a statewide vernal pool list. DNR sets listing criteria and posts the list on its website. The agencies may use mapping and other science and consult with groups like the University of Maryland. The Environment Department trains staff to spot pools and tells DNR when they find candidates. This improves public access to where protections may apply.

What counts as a vernal pool

Beginning October 1, 2026, a vernal pool is a small depression that holds water at least two straight months between November and May, drops to six inches or less in summer, has under 30% emergent plants when full, is mostly shaded by woods, and is under 5 acres. A qualified vernal pool is seasonal habitat for certain amphibians and invertebrates and is not already a non‑tidal wetland. These definitions guide which sites can be listed and protected.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 220 • No: 125

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 97 • No: 36 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/9/2026

Floor Amendment {843526/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected

Yes: 38 • No: 89 • Other: 14

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 164

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (97-36)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Floor Amendment {843526/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected (38-89)

    4/9/2026House

  8. Motion Special Order until Later This Session (Delegate Adams) Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {213420/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

  11. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  12. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/23/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    3/23/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {103120/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026Senate

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/20/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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