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MarylandHB 15992026 Regular SessionHouse

Chesapeake Bay - Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund - Established

Sponsored By: Jay A. Jacobs (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyHunting and FishingAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.AppropriationsAquacultureBaltimore CityBridges and TunnelsChesapeake Bay -see also- Chesapeake Bay RestorationCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsDredgingIndustry and ManufacturingLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFAMeat, Poultry, Seafood -see also- Clams; Crabs; Food; OysterNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofNoticesOystersPortsPublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Shipping -see also- Delivery ServicesSmall BusinessTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etc

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New loans for Maryland seafood businesses

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland creates the Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund. The Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry Development Corporation runs it. It can give loans and other help to commercial watermen and small seafood businesses. The Corporation sets who can apply, award rules, loan terms, and any loan forgiveness. Money comes from the state budget, loan repayments, and other sources. The Corporation may move up to $337,500 from the Oyster Shucking House Loan Program and up to $337,500 from the Watermen’s Microloan Program into the Fund. Any money moved must be repaid by June 30, 2028. Fund dollars may be used only for financial assistance and to run the program.

New program funds oyster replenishment

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland creates the Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program. The Department of Natural Resources runs it. It funds oyster propagation and replenishment projects that address harm from transportation projects to the State’s oyster population. The program may also use money for program management.

Tidal fish license transfers paused if delinquent

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you hold a tidal fish license and are delinquent on a loan under this law, the Corporation notifies the Department of Natural Resources. After that notice, the Department may not approve a transfer of your license or authorization. The hold ends only when the Corporation tells the Department you are back in compliance.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jay A. Jacobs

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • H. Kevin Anderson

    Republican • House

  • Steven J. Arentz

    Republican • House

  • Barry Beauchamp

    Republican • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Jefferson L. Ghrist

    Republican • House

  • Wayne A. Hartman

    Republican • House

  • Anne Healey

    Democratic • House

  • Marvin E. Holmes

    Democratic • House

  • Thomas S. Hutchinson

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrie E. Long

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Sheree Sample-Hughes

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 172 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 6 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 553

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Rereferred to Budget and Taxation

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Referred Rules

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (126-6)

    4/10/2026House

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments {773327/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/9/2026House

  13. Hearing 3/13 at 1:30 p.m.

    3/13/2026House

  14. Hearing canceled

    3/13/2026House

  15. Hearing 3/13 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/11/2026House

  16. Rereferred to Environment and Transportation

    3/10/2026House

  17. First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/16/2026

    PDF

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