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MarylandHB 05782026 Regular SessionHouse

Fish and Wildlife - Endangered and Threatened Species and Migratory Birds - Regulations, Lists, Petitions, Essential Habitats, and Takings

Sponsored By: Julie Palakovich Carr (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkAquacultureBirdsClassifications and DesignationsEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEvaluations and ReviewsFederal GovernmentFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPetitionsPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsRules and RegulationsStandards and Best PracticesTimeWildlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clearer protections for wildlife and plants

The law defines foreseeable future and harm for wildlife and plants. The Secretary must remove a species when the best science shows it is extinct, recovered, or not eligible. The Secretary may name essential habitats and set management rules. The Department must review wildlife and plant lists by July 1, 2026, and at least every 5 years after.

Regular review of protected state lands rules

The Department must review the Irreplaceable Natural Areas regulations by July 1, 2033. It must review them at least every 10 years after. These rules decide which State lands get special protection and what uses are allowed.

Stronger science rules for endangered fish

The law sets clear terms like foreseeable future and harm for fish. The Secretary must remove a fish from the list when the best science shows it is extinct, recovered, or not eligible. The Department must review endangered and threatened fish lists by July 1, 2026, and at least every 5 years after. The Secretary may name essential fish habitats and set rules to manage them.

Stricter petitions to list or delist species

Anyone who asks to add or remove a species must file a detailed petition. It must show the species’ range in Maryland, habitat needs, and all known threats. For new listings, it must include strong evidence of decline. For removals, it must show extinction, recovery, new science, or taxonomic errors. The petition must prove the species is a valid taxon and occurs naturally and permanently in the State.

New migratory bird rules and vulture permits

The state removes the blanket ban on taking migratory birds listed in federal rules as of January 1, 2025. After repeal, the Secretary’s regulations control taking, possession, and similar activities for those birds. Beginning October 1, 2026, if black vultures lose federal protection or the federal law is repealed, DNR must set permit rules like federal depredation permits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Kris Fair

    Democratic • House

  • Jessica Feldmark

    Democratic • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Emily Shetty

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Jen Terrasa

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer White Holland

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

  • Chao Wu

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 241 • No: 65

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 38 • No: 3 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 34 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 104 • No: 28 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 211

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (99-34)

    4/9/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (38-3)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {453922/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/13/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (104-28)

    3/12/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {453420/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/9/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/2/2026House

  15. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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