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MarylandHB 14702025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Prince George's County - Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Protection Program - Cutting or Clearing Trees MC/PG 113-25

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyBi-County AgenciesAdministrative AgenciesChesapeake Bay -see also- Chesapeake Bay RestorationCoastal BaysCommittees and CommissionsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesLiabilityLiensMaryland-National Capital Park and Planning CommissionNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPrince George's CountyReal PropertyReimbursement RatesRules and RegulationsSunsetTimeTrees

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Refunds and lien relief for county homeowners

From October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, the law gives some Prince George’s County property owners relief. It covers Critical Area tree-cutting or clearing violations occurring on or before November 7, 2018. Current owners must have bought in good faith after a previous owner or user committed the violation and was cited. The County and Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission must cancel covered administrative enforcement actions and release related liens. The County must repay all related costs and fees, including penalties, bonds, reforestation, and engineer, forester, and landscape architect fees.

New lien rules for county property buyers

This rule covers Prince George’s County parcels under 5 acres, not zoned commercial, in either protected Critical Area. The County’s permitting and enforcement department must record a lien within 90 days after notifying the owner of a tree-clearing violation. A timely lien makes current owners liable for a previous owner’s or user’s violation, replacing prior good-faith purchaser immunity. Without a timely lien, the County cannot seek those remedies against current owners but can pursue the prior violator. The County must complete required restoration or mitigation that the prior violator leaves undone. This rule runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027.

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: 315 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 137 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/5/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 595

    5/13/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (137-0)

    4/7/2025House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/7/2025House

  5. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/5/2025Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/5/2025Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {373622/1 Adopted

    4/5/2025Senate

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

    4/5/2025Senate

  9. Rereferred to Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/3/2025Senate

  10. Referred Rules

    4/1/2025Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    4/1/2025House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/31/2025House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {353421/1 Adopted

    3/31/2025House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/31/2025House

  15. Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/17/2025House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/7/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/31/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/7/2025

    PDF

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