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MarylandHB 07202025 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Resources - Repeal of Somers Cove Marina Commission and Improvement Fund and Alteration of Operations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyBoats and ShipsCommittees and CommissionsComptrollerContracts -see also- ProcurementCounty CommissionersFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesInterestLeases and RentMarinas -see also- Piers and DocksMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofProcurementReal PropertyRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Salaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSomerset CountyStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTimeTreasurersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Boaters gain advice and planning channels

Beginning October 1, 2025, a seven-member advisory commission advises the Secretary on marina operations, upkeep, and development. Its seats represent Somerset County, Crisfield, the Department, commercial fishing, economic development or tourism, and sailboat and powerboat owners. Members serve four-year terms, and the group must meet at least twice yearly. The Secretary must prepare a marina master plan by October 1, 2027, covering operations, upkeep, development, improvements, and services for boaters. Updates are required by October 1, 2032, and every five years afterward.

Secretary sets Somers Cove Marina fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, the Natural Resources Secretary has authority to set slip fees and other marina charges. Charges must be needed to run, maintain, manage, or improve Somers Cove Marina. Slip holders and other marina customers pay any fees assessed. The law sets no fee amounts and does not require an increase.

Marina money moves into state fund

By October 1, 2025, the Commission must transfer the Improvement Fund's remaining balance to the Natural Resources Property Maintenance Fund. This includes unspent money, amounts owed to the fund, and money freed by canceled commitments. Beginning that date, all Department revenue from Somers Cove Marina also goes into this fund. The fund can pay for marina work, Department property expenses, and administrative costs. Unspent money and interest stay in the fund, but spending must follow the state budget.

State takes over Somers Cove Marina

Beginning October 1, 2025, the law ends the Somers Cove Marina Commission and its Improvement Fund. The Natural Resources Secretary takes over operating authority, including hiring a manager and staff and making leases and contracts. Contracts must follow applicable state purchasing laws. New leases are limited to five years, with renewals totaling no more than five additional years. Existing leases remain in force for their terms, and the Department and former Commission must cooperate to keep operations running.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 13

Senate vote • 4/5/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 121 • No: 13 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 444

    5/13/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/5/2025Senate

  4. Motion Special Order until 4/4 (Senator M. Washington) Adopted

    4/3/2025Senate

  5. Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Adopted

    4/2/2025Senate

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

    4/2/2025Senate

  8. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/17/2025Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/7/2025Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (121-13)

    3/6/2025House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/4/2025House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {253525/1 Adopted

    3/4/2025House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/3/2025House

  14. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/29/2025House

  15. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/27/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/4/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2025

    PDF

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