MarylandHB 04462025 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program

Sponsored By: Todd B. Morgan (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingBoundariesChesapeake Bay -see also- Chesapeake Bay RestorationCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsEmergency BillsFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFishing Nets and DevicesInvasive Species -see also- Animals; Insects; PlantsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPilot ProgramsReportsRules and RegulationsSunset

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Maryland launches invasive blue catfish control

Beginning April 22, 2025, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources runs a pilot to curb invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. It works with the Invasive Catfish Advisory Committee on commercial fishing, trotline fishing, and other programs it finds effective. The department must expand effective practices and keep running and updating the pilot through June 30, 2026. It must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2025. The law provides no additional funding and expires at the end of June 30, 2026.

More catfish fishing options with limits

From April 22, 2025, through June 30, 2026, Maryland may let eligible pilot participants run for-hire and commercial fishing trips at the same time. The Department of Natural Resources may also change rules or procedures to increase commercial blue catfish harvest. It must allow finfish trotlines for blue catfish south of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge as much as feasible. It may restrict fishing areas because of risks of catching other species, conflicts with other users, or other relevant concerns. The department must consider electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet long, removing hook-count limits, and allowing hooks that do not corrode.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Todd B. Morgan
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jackie Addison
Democratic • House
Barry Beauchamp
Republican • House
Dylan Behler
Democratic • House
Regina T. Boyce
Democratic • House
Barrie S. Ciliberti
Republican • House
Debra Davis
Democratic • House
Linda Foley
Democratic • House
Wayne A. Hartman
Republican • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Jeffrie E. Long
Democratic • House
Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Otto
Affiliation unavailable
Sheila Ruth
Democratic • House
Natalie Ziegler
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 172
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
3/7/2025Senate
Third Reading Passed (135-0)
3/6/2025House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/4/2025House
Favorable with Amendments {523823/1 Adopted
3/4/2025House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
3/3/2025House
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
3/4/2025
PDF
First Reading
1/16/2025
PDF

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