MarylandHB 09472026 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sheree Sample-Hughes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingBoundariesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Emergency 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 ProgramsReportsSunset

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Blue catfish pilot for fishers through 2030

DNR runs a pilot to curb invasive blue catfish. It includes for‑hire/commercial, trotline, and gill net programs, plus other effective methods. DNR coordinates with the Invasive Catfish Advisory Committee. The law took effect April 14, 2026, and lasts through June 30, 2030. DNR must scale up practices that work, keep the pilot updated, and report each December 1 starting in 2026 to Senate and House committees.

More flexible trips and gear for fishers

DNR can let eligible for‑hire captains run for‑hire and commercial trips at the same time. DNR can change rules to boost the blue catfish harvest. It can allow electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet, no hook limits, and non‑corrodible hooks. These flexibilities apply during the pilot through June 30, 2030.

Wider trotlines south of Bay Bridge with limits

DNR authorizes finfish trotlines south of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge to the maximum extent feasible. DNR can close or limit specific areas south of the bridge due to bycatch, user conflicts, or other issues. These rules apply during the pilot through June 30, 2030.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sheree Sample-Hughes
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Christopher T. Adams
Republican • House
H. Kevin Anderson
Republican • House
Steven J. Arentz
Republican • House
Barry Beauchamp
Republican • House
Regina T. Boyce
Democratic • House
Robin L. Grammer
Republican • House
Wayne A. Hartman
Republican • House
Anne Healey
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Ryan Nawrocki
Republican • House
Kathy Szeliga
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 172 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026