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MarylandHB 02502026 Regular SessionHouse

Environment - Appropriation or Use of Water and Dam Safety - Enforcement

Sponsored By: Darrell Odom (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHearingsLiensLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFANatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.NoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPersonal PropertyReal PropertyRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)WaiversWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Water PollutionWetlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Penalty money supports water and dam repairs

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland sends penalties collected under its water-use and dam-safety enforcement law to dedicated funds. The Maryland Clean Water Fund receives the money, including administrative penalties. Money tied to unsafe dam conditions goes to the Private Dam Repair Fund instead. The law also excludes dam-repair penalties and fines from the separate Clean Water Fund payment rule.

Fewer enforcement tools for unlawful dredging

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland repeals a dredging and filling enforcement section. That section allowed civil penalties up to $10,000 for violations of the law or related rules, permits, licenses, and orders. It also allowed court orders to stop violations and restore unlawfully dredged or filled areas. The repeal removes those specific penalty and restoration tools.

Water users face fines and safeguards

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland expands enforcement orders and hearing rules across its water-use and dam-safety laws. After serving a complaint, the Department of the Environment can require fixes, reports, or hearing appearances. New administrative fines reach $5,000 per violation, capped at $100,000 per enforcement action; each day counts separately. People facing these fines get a hearing opportunity unless they waive it in writing. Before seeking civil or administrative penalties, the Department must give written notice and offer an informal settlement meeting. It must weigh whether formal enforcement is appropriate and review applicable good-faith dam-repair loan applications. When setting administrative fines, it must consider cooperation and good-faith efforts to fix violations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 202 • No: 241

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 12 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Floor Amendment {993025/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 97 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/18/2026

Floor Amendment {773227/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 95 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 37 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 273

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (32-12)

    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

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (96-37)

    3/18/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026House

  10. Floor Amendment {773227/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected (37-95)

    3/18/2026House

  11. Floor Amendment {993025/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected (37-97)

    3/18/2026House

  12. Motion Special Order until 03/18 (Delegate Adams) Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {933520/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/16/2026House

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

    1/19/2026House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/14/2026House

  17. Pre-filed

    9/25/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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