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MarylandHB 07842026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Aquaculture - Placement of Shellfish, Bags, Nets, and Structures on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation - Extension

Sponsored By: Dana Jones (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingAquacultureFishing Nets and DevicesLeases and RentNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsSunsetTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stricter rules for aquaculture leaseholders

Beginning June 1, 2026, aquaculture leaseholders must get written approval from the Department of Natural Resources before placing shellfish, bags, nets, or structures on submerged aquatic vegetation. You may not plant or harvest shellfish within 500 yards of any occupied waterfowl hunting blind. You cannot sublease a lease, and you cannot transfer a lease without Department approval. You may only harvest during hours the Department sets in rules. You may not place unlawfully harvested oysters on a lease.

Submerged grass areas: access and method rules

Beginning June 1, 2026, for water column leases, the Department must allow placement of shellfish, bags, nets, or structures in at least 10% of the area that has submerged aquatic vegetation. For submerged land leases, the Department must allow harvest by diving in those vegetated areas. The Department may not allow dredge harvesting in areas with submerged aquatic vegetation.

Extends these aquaculture rules to 2030

Effective June 1, 2026, Maryland keeps these aquaculture and submerged vegetation rules in place through June 30, 2030. The law ends on June 30, 2030 unless changed again. This replaces the earlier end date of June 30, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 255

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

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

    4/6/2026Senate

  7. Hearing 3/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/13/2026Senate

  8. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    3/11/2026House

  10. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026House

  11. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026House

  12. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/9/2026House

  13. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026House

  14. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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