MarylandHB 12672026 Regular SessionHouse

Patuxent Research Refuge and Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - Zoning Classification (Protecting Patuxent Research Refuge Act)

Sponsored By: Mary A. Lehman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Local Government - GenerallyAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Anne Arundel CountyBoundariesChartered Counties -see also- AACo; BCo; CecilCo; etc.Classifications and DesignationsConservation -see also- Soil ConservationCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.County CouncilsEnvironment, Department of theFederal GovernmentForests and Parks -see also- MdNatlCapPkPlnCm; Plants; etc.HearingsIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Leases and RentMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPrince George's CountyProgram Open SpaceReal Estate -see also- Agents and BrokersWetlandsZoning and Planning

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Conservation zoning for Beltsville USDA land

Beginning June 1, 2026, the district council keeps the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and nearby USDA land zoned as open space. Commercial, industrial, and residential uses are not allowed, even after a sale, lease, or other transfer. Central natural areas cannot be converted to farming, active recreation, forestry, or plant harvesting. Before any development on these lands, the council holds a public hearing, consults the Maryland DNR and Environment, and must decide the project will not substantially impact any central natural area.

Stronger open-space rules at Patuxent

Beginning June 1, 2026, local zoning keeps all Patuxent Research Refuge land in open‑space or resource‑conservation zones. Commercial, industrial, and residential uses are not allowed, even after a sale, lease, or other transfer. Central natural areas cannot be converted to farming, active recreation, forestry, or plant harvesting. Before any development on refuge land, the zoning authority holds a public hearing and consults the Maryland DNR and Environment. The same Patuxent protections apply in charter counties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mary A. Lehman
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Ben Barnes
Democratic • House
J. Sandy Bartlett
Democratic • House
Adrian Boafo
Democratic • House
Mark S. Chang
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk
Democratic • House
Mike Rogers
Democratic • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 170 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 123 • No: 7 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 541
5/12/2026
Returned Passed
4/13/2026House
Third Reading Passed (47-0)
4/13/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed
4/9/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted
4/9/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
4/9/2026Senate
Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/24/2026Senate
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/23/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (123-7)
3/20/2026House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/19/2026House
Favorable with Amendments {773926/1 Adopted
3/19/2026House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
3/19/2026House
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)
2/17/2026House
First Reading Economic Matters and Environment and Transportation
2/12/2026House

Bill Text

Enacted
5/12/2026
PDF
Third Reading
3/19/2026
PDF
First Reading
2/12/2026
PDF

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