MarylandSB 02572026 Regular SessionSenate

Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund - Reporting

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Forests and Parks -see also- MdNatlCapPkPlnCm; Plants; etc.Natural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofReal PropertyReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Titles -see also- Deeds

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New fund supports woodland landowners

The law creates the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund in the Department of Natural Resources. The Fund pays for the Woodland Incentives Program, including cost‑share help, and the Mel Noland Fellowship Program. Up to $200,000 a year goes into the Fund from a state tax on documents that transfer title to parcels that are entirely woodland, as provided by state tax law. The law takes effect July 21, 2026.

Yearly report on woodland fund money

Each year by September 30, the Department of Natural Resources reports to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee. The report explains how Fund money was used. It lists any forestry revenues from designated Department lands that were not credited to the Fund and why. It states how much tax from woodland title documents went to the Fund in the last fiscal year. If the Department is unsure about required tax distributions, it must explain the uncertainty and steps to fix it. This requirement takes effect July 21, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/24/2026