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MarylandHB 00402025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Natural Resources - Fishing Licenses and Stamps - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingElderly Persons (65+) -see also- Elder Abuse and NeglectFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofResidency -see also- Immigrants and Citizenship

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Fishing discounts for Purple Heart recipients

Beginning June 1, 2025, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources must provide discounted angler's licenses and trout stamps. The program serves Maryland residents who received the Purple Heart Award. The law does not set the discount amount.

Higher fishing license fees for anglers

Beginning June 1, 2025, Maryland resident annual fishing licenses cost $32, up from $20.50. Resident 7-day licenses cost $16, up from $7.50, and cover 7 consecutive days from issuance. Nonresident minimum fees rise from $30.50 to $55 annually, $7.50 to $45 for 7 days, and $5 to $35 for 3 days. Nonresidents pay the higher of that minimum or their home state's comparable fee charged to Maryland residents.

Seniors face higher fishing costs

Beginning June 1, 2025, Maryland's consolidated senior sport fishing license costs $12 annually, up from $5. Residents qualify starting in the calendar year they turn 65. The senior license still replaces the required angler's license, but no longer provides a trout-stamp exemption. Senior license holders need a stamp to fish for or possess trout in designated areas unless another exemption applies.

Trout anglers pay higher stamp fees

Beginning June 1, 2025, annual trout stamps cost Maryland residents $20, up from $5. Nonresidents pay $30, up from $10. A stamp is required to fish for or possess trout in areas designated by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. Existing exemptions still apply, except for the senior-license exemption described separately.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 130 • No: 52

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 12 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/13/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 40 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 45

    4/8/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/2/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (34-12)

    4/2/2025Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/1/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/1/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/31/2025Senate

  7. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/14/2025Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (96-40)

    2/13/2025House

  9. Second Reading Passed

    2/11/2025House

  10. Favorable Adopted

    2/11/2025House

  11. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    2/10/2025House

  12. Hearing 1/29 at 1:30 p.m.

    1/13/2025House

  13. Hearing canceled

    1/13/2025House

  14. Hearing 1/29 at 2:30 p.m.

    1/8/2025House

  15. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/8/2025House

  16. Pre-filed

    10/12/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/11/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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