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MarylandHB 00352026 Regular SessionHouse

Local Government - Regulatory Powers - Regulation of Invasive Trees

Sponsored By: Linda Foley (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Local Government - GenerallyAgricultureAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Civil OffensesClassifications and DesignationsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Environmental HealthEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Insects -see also- Bees; Pest ControlInvasive Species -see also- Animals; Insects; PlantsLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPest ControlReal PropertyTrees

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Local rewards for removing invasive trees

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland counties and municipalities can offer rewards for removing tree of heaven and other listed invasive trees. Programs can offer a bounty or a native tree in exchange for removing and eradicating an invasive tree. Each program must require correct tree identification consistent with the University of Maryland Agriculture Extension’s species page. After identification, removal or eradication must use professionally accepted methods or methods consistent with that page. Local governments do not have to create or fund a program, and the law sets no bounty amount.

Local tree restrictions for Maryland property owners

Beginning October 1, 2026, all Maryland counties and municipalities can adopt local rules for invasive trees. These rules can ban selling, planting, or allowing tree of heaven and other listed invasive trees to grow on property. Listed trees are those on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant List. Local authority over invasive bamboo remains, including sale and planting bans and requirements for proper upkeep and containment. Local rules can require steps to address damage from these plants and impose civil fines. These restrictions apply only where local officials adopt an ordinance.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Anne Healey

    Democratic • House

  • Jeffrie E. Long

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 170 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/26/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 210

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    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

    2/27/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (128-8)

    2/26/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/24/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {413224/1 Adopted

    2/24/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    2/23/2026House

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

    1/19/2026House

  13. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/14/2026House

  14. Pre-filed

    8/14/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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