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MarylandHB 00352026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Homeowners and sellers face invasive tree rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, counties and towns can set rules for invasive bamboo, trees of heaven, and listed invasive trees. They can ban selling or planting them, and ban letting them grow on your property. For bamboo, they can require upkeep and barriers or trenches to contain it. They can order you to fix damage from these plants and can fine you for violations. The law defines invasive bamboo (includes Phyllostachys), “listed invasive trees” (on the state prohibited list), and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). These powers apply in every Maryland county and town.

Rewards or trees for removing invasives

Beginning October 1, 2026, counties and towns may offer rewards or free native trees for removing invasive trees. Programs can cover trees of heaven and other listed invasive trees. To qualify, the tree must be identified using the University of Maryland Extension species page. Removal must follow the Extension methods or other accepted methods. You get the payment or replacement tree only after proper identification and removal.

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

  • Robert B. Long

    Republican • 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: 3

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

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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