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MarylandHB 05062025 Regular SessionHouse

Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act

Sponsored By: Nick Allen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingAgricultureNatural Resources - GenerallyAdministrative AgenciesAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Air PollutionAppropriationsAquacultureChemical TestsChesapeake Bay -see also- Chesapeake Bay RestorationClassifications and DesignationsCoastal BaysCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; Telecom; etc.ComptrollerConservation -see also- Soil ConservationData -see also- Census; DemographicsElectronic CommunicationElectronic GovernmentEnergy AdministrationEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental IncentivesEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEthnic AffairsFarmers and Farming -see also- Agriculture; FarmlandFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.Food InsecurityGovernorHearingsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Inspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Internet -see also- Internet AccessLeases and RentLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMediation -see also- ArbitrationMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentMentorsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofOpen GovernmentOystersPermits -see also- Building PermitsPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsPollution -see also- Air Pollution; Litter; Water PollutionPostal ServicePrivacyProtests and DemonstrationsRenewable Energy Sources -see also- Geotherm; Solar; etc.ReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rivers, Streams, and LakesRules and RegulationsScientific Research -see also- ChemTst; MedRsrch; StudiesSoil ConservationStandards and Best PracticesSunsetSurveyorsTimeTreasurersTreesVirtual EnvironmentsWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Water PollutionWetlandsWholesale DistributionWorcester CountyWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

License relief for qualifying fish sellers

Qualifying fish harvesters and processors no longer need a Maryland food establishment license for specified direct restaurant sales. They must hold a Natural Resources Department license under § 4-701 or § 4-701.1. They must harvest and process finfish by ikejime on a vessel and sell the fish directly to restaurants.

More land access for regenerative farming

The law expands healthy soils practices to recognize regenerative farming, including African, Indigenous, and original land stewardship traditions. It also recognizes biodiversity, community benefits, culturally important food, and climate justice efforts. From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, the Department may lease its land for healthy soils and regenerative practices. Leases may run at least 10 years and must require compliance with state and federal law. The lease template must be developed with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

New conservation incentives for Maryland farms

Maryland's new LEEF farm program offers certification tiers and coordinates state incentives for producers meeting Agriculture Department criteria. Eligible practices include fixed natural buffers, including within a 100-foot tidal buffer. Certification criteria prioritize benefits to overburdened and underserved communities. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the Governor must budget at least $900,000 annually for the program's nonlapsing fund. No more than 20% may cover administration; individual farm payments are not guaranteed.

More public notice for fishing rules

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, coastal bays fishing regulations require a public hearing before taking effect. Hearings may be in Worcester County, online, or both. Fishery hearing notices must appear in the Maryland Register and be publicized to affected communities. Notice must reach commercial and recreational fishing participants, licensed guides, and charter boat captains.

Public access to statewide water monitoring

The law creates a Water Quality Monitoring Program in Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. It coordinates statewide monitoring and short- and long-term water assessments. The program supplies information for planning and policy and makes monitoring data available to the public.

Public meetings and challenges for shellfish leases

These Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays lease participation rules apply July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. Anyone may request a public meeting in writing within 30 days after the last advertisement; the Department must hold it. A person with a distinct right, duty, privilege, or interest that may be harmed may file a written protest. Protests are due within 30 days after the last advertisement, or within 7 days after a requested meeting. Both filings need a name, mailing address, and email; protests also need reasons and the qualifying interest, and may require mediation before an administrative hearing.

Earlier environmental applications keep prior treatment

Permit and license applications filed with Maryland's Environment Department before July 1, 2025, keep their earlier treatment. Section 2 of Chapters 558 and 559 of Maryland's 2024 laws does not apply to those applications. This protection does not exempt applicants from all environmental requirements.

Oyster restoration projects gain trading credits

The law requires Maryland's Environment Department to authorize qualifying oyster restoration projects to generate water quality trading credits. Projects qualify when federal, state, or local government pays all or part of their costs. The Department must establish authorization and credit certification by December 31, 2025. The law sets no credit price or payment amount.

Shellfish lease applicants face possible fees

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, qualifying bay lease applicants must stake the proposed area's center. The Department must survey its corners. After consulting the Aquaculture Coordinating Council, the Department may charge reasonable advertising and survey fees. The law sets no fee amount.

Landowners lose streamside tree planting bonuses

The law ends a one-time Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program bonus of up to $1,000 per acre. The bonus covered qualifying forested streamside buffer land enrolled during fiscal years 2023 through 2031. It also removes the required $2.5 million annual appropriation for tree planting and related purposes for fiscal years 2024 through 2031.

More shellfish records, later reporting deadline

These rules apply to aquaculture, submerged land, and demonstration leaseholders from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. Records must cover shellfish seeding, planting, harvesting, and sales, plus planting of shell material used for cultivation—not just oysters. Leaseholders must report electronically or on Department forms. Annual reports on prior-year lease use are due January 31 instead of January 1.

Changed planning rules for Maryland fisheries

Maryland must prepare fishery plans for white perch, yellow perch, oysters, blue crabs, hard shell clams, catfish, and cownose ray. Other species leave this required list, but fishing for them is not made unrestricted. The state must follow applicable interstate commission and federal regional council plans and supplements. After advisory consultation, it may add stricter state measures needed for conservation or develop plans for additional species. Plans must consider environmental and climate factors and must not unfairly discriminate between commercial and recreational fishers.

Oyster reviews and binding harvest rules

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, Maryland must review oyster stocks every 2 years against stock benchmarks. It must conduct benchmark assessments every 6 years, considering new methods and receiving outside peer review. With stakeholder input, the state must take steps aimed at improving habitat and stocks while maintaining harvest. Oyster management plans and supplements must be adopted as regulations; related measures may use separate rulemaking. Harvesters of resources covered by an adopted plan must follow its conservation measures and implementing rules.

Watershed sponsors get coordinated permit planning

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, approved Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership projects receive coordinated permit planning. State staff and sponsors must meet promptly to list state and federal permits, documents, submission timelines, and agency contacts. Agencies must coordinate to speed permitting as the law allows. A public dashboard must show permit schedules, requirements, and plans, with confidential information removed. Sponsors must provide permit updates every three months.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Marlon Amprey

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Harry Bhandari

    Democratic • House

  • Adrian Boafo

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Edelson

    Democratic • House

  • Diana M. Fennell

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Harris

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Anne Healey

    Democratic • House

  • Kevin B. Hornberger

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrie E. Long

    Democratic • House

  • Jackson

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Kenneth Kerr

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Ruth

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Simpson

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Kym Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Jen Terrasa

    Democratic • House

  • Veronica Turner

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Vogel

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole A. Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

  • Teresa Woorman

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 292 • No: 73

House vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 117 • No: 21

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Floor Amendment {283925/1 (Senator Hershey) Rejected

Yes: 16 • No: 26 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 113 • No: 26

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 430

    5/13/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/3/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (117-21)

    4/3/2025House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/3/2025House

  5. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/2/2025Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/1/2025Senate

  7. Floor Amendment {283925/1 (Senator Hershey) Rejected (16-26)

    4/1/2025Senate

  8. Floor Amendment {273720/1 (Senator Kagan) Adopted

    4/1/2025Senate

  9. Favorable Adopted

    4/1/2025Senate

  10. Motion Special Order until 3/31 (Senator Hershey) Adopted

    3/28/2025Senate

  11. Favorable

    3/28/2025Senate

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

    3/28/2025Senate

  13. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/17/2025Senate

  14. Third Reading Passed (113-26)

    3/17/2025House

  15. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/15/2025House

  16. Favorable with Amendments {613825/1 Adopted

    3/15/2025House

  17. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/15/2025House

  18. Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2025House

  19. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/22/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/3/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/15/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/22/2025

    PDF

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