MarylandHB 03972025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation - Oyster Shucking House Loan Program

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Larger seasonal-job loans for seafood businesses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland's oyster shucking house loan program allows $25,000 per projected seasonal full-time job, up from $10,000. Loans remain capped at $250,000 per project, with up to $25,000 per projected year-round full-time job created or kept. Seasonal jobs must require at least 420 hours during 12 weeks of a three-month period. Projects must establish or expand a licensed seafood dealer's business, meet program criteria, and support returning Maryland oyster shells to the Chesapeake Bay. Historic oyster shucking facilities can qualify. Borrowers must follow state oyster-shell requirements until repayment. After a one-year lag, borrowers must submit certified job counts annually for three consecutive years, covering the preceding 12 months. Loan forgiveness equals the state's current market value for each bushel of oyster shells returned free to Maryland's natural resources department. Alternatively, forgiveness is $25 per bushel of oyster shells with young oysters attached, planted on public fishery bottoms and state-verified. The law also specifies a $1 million fiscal year 2024 budget appropriation, deposited in a special account for loans and administration.

Seafood dealers qualify for loans sooner

Beginning July 1, 2025, seafood dealers can seek program loans after three licensed years, down from five. Another path remains: hold a tidal fish license for five years and agree to get a dealer license upon financing. Applicants must have paid all applicable business taxes and fees for the past five years. A business plan and financial forecasts must show the seafood processing business can become viable within five years after financing. Applicants must also meet the corporation's other eligibility requirements and accept its loan terms.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Dana Jones
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Vaughn Stewart
Democratic • House
Todd B. Morgan
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 2/27/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 173
4/22/2025
Returned Passed
4/4/2025House
Third Reading Passed (47-0)
4/3/2025Senate
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/2/2025Senate
Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/31/2025Senate
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
2/28/2025Senate
Third Reading Passed (126-8)
2/27/2025House
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
2/25/2025House
Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
2/24/2025House
Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.
1/20/2025House
First Reading Environment and Transportation
1/16/2025House

Bill Text

Enacted
4/22/2025
PDF
Third Reading
2/25/2025
PDF
First Reading
1/16/2025
PDF

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