All Roll Calls
Yes: 216 • No: 8
MarylandSB 07192026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation
Sponsored By: Sara Love (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
EnvironmentAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.BoundariesChemical TestsEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEnvironmental Service, MarylandFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFertilizersHazardous and Toxic Substances -see also- Asbestos; RadiatnIndustry and ManufacturingLaboratoriesLocal Government MandatesNoticesPlans and ProposalsPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HseReal PropertyRules and RegulationsSewageStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTimeWashington Suburban Sanitary DistrictWastewaterWater PollutionWeights and Measures
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
PFAS limits on land application
Beginning October 1, 2028, land application to farm or marginal land is banned if sludge has 50 parts per billion or more of regulated PFAS. Sludge with 25 to under 50 parts per billion is allowed only under strict rules. For up to 12 months while a mitigation plan and source study are developed and approved, application is limited to 3 dry metric tons per hectare. It must meet Class B biosolids setbacks plus extra well setbacks. The applicator must give at least 14 days’ written notice to the landowner, neighboring owners, and the local government.
Testing and blending rules for sludge
Beginning October 1, 2028, PFAS levels are set by the average of samples from the past 12 months. Plants must sample at least quarterly at the point sludge leaves the facility, during normal operations, using EPA Method 1633A (or equivalent) with a lab detection level at or below 2 parts per billion. If you blend sludge, you must test monthly and immediately stop land application and notify MDE when results are 25 parts per billion or more until results fall below 25. If sludge tests between 25 and 50 parts per billion, you may blend from other sources for up to two years to try to drop below 25. New commingling operations may use a mass‑balance estimate for their first 12 months if they start by October 1, 2027; MDE may require extra testing for commingled materials and will help identify qualified labs.
Track and cut PFAS at plants
Beginning October 1, 2028, if sludge has 25 parts per billion or more of regulated PFAS, the generator must complete a source‑tracking study and, within six months after the study, submit a mitigation plan with MDE to reduce levels below 25 parts per billion. The plan generally must be implemented within up to two years, with one possible extension; MDE reviews plans and considers costs. Generators must follow approved plans, and MDE can bar land application if they are not in compliance. MDE and pretreatment authorities may set pretreatment standards and work with plants to control industrial discharges. Local authorities may set rates and fees for industrial users and adopt stricter local limits; MDE will provide guidance and technical help.
Stronger oversight of sludge rules
Beginning October 1, 2026, MDE must get the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s approval before issuing any rules on land application of sludge. When writing sludge rules, MDE must consider transport safety, pathogen control, buffer areas, hearing notices, bonds or insurance, crop limits, groundwater protection, cumulative loading, and special rules for tobacco land. These factors guide how the state protects people, crops, and water.
Annual fees for sludge generators
Beginning October 1, 2026, MDE sets annual fees for sewage sludge generators. The fee schedule reflects how much sludge you produce, how you manage it, expected monitoring and program costs, and the risk to public health or the environment. MDE must take public input before finalizing fees.
Who counts as a sludge generator
Beginning October 1, 2026, the law defines sewage, sewage sludge, and who is a sewage sludge generator. It includes public providers like the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Maryland Environmental Service. It does not include owners or operators of septic systems.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Sara Love
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Katie Fry Hester
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/13/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 129 • No: 8 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 4/13/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 46 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/20/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 329
4/28/2026Passed Enrolled
4/13/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (46-0)
4/13/2026SenateSenate Concurs House Amendments
4/13/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (129-8)
4/13/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
4/9/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {853822/1 Adopted
4/9/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
4/8/2026HouseHearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
3/25/2026HouseReferred Environment and Transportation Health
3/21/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (41-0)
3/20/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/19/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {423427/1 Adopted
3/19/2026SenateMotion Laid Over (Senator Ellis) Adopted
3/18/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {423427/1
3/18/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/16/2026SenateHearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
2/10/2026SenateFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
2/6/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/13/2026
Third Reading
3/19/2026
First Reading
2/6/2026
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