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MarylandSB 02582025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Natural Resources - Fishing Licenses and Stamps - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingElderly Persons (65+) -see also- Elder Abuse and NeglectFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofResidency -see also- Immigrants and Citizenship

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Maryland residents pay higher fishing fees

Beginning June 1, 2025, Maryland residents pay higher license fees for fishing in waters not affected by tides. The annual license costs $32, up from $20.50—an $11.50 increase. The seven-day license costs $16, up from $7.50—an $8.50 increase. The short-term license covers seven consecutive days from issuance.

Out-of-state anglers face higher license minimums

Beginning June 1, 2025, nonresident license minimums rise for fishing in Maryland waters not affected by tides. The annual minimum rises from $30.50 to $55; anglers pay more if their home state's similar license costs more. The seven-day minimum rises from $7.50 to $45, and the three-day minimum rises from $5 to $35. Short-term fees are higher when the home-state license for an equal or next higher number of fishing days costs more. Short-term licenses cover consecutive days from issuance; actual fee increases depend on the home-state fee.

Senior anglers face higher fishing costs

Beginning June 1, 2025, Maryland's consolidated senior fishing license costs $12 annually, up from $5. Residents qualify beginning in the calendar year they turn 65, and the license lasts one year from issuance. It covers nontidal fishing and finfish fishing in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, coastal, and related tidal waters without separate fishing licenses. Senior license holders lose their trout-stamp exemption and must buy a $20 annual stamp unless another exemption applies. This stamp requirement applies when fishing for or possessing trout in areas where a stamp is required.

Trout anglers pay higher stamp fees

Beginning June 1, 2025, annual trout stamps cost $20 for Maryland residents, up from $5. Nonresidents pay $30, up from $10. A stamp is required to fish for or possess trout in designated areas unless an exemption applies. The stamp is separate from any required fishing license. Exemptions remain for residents under 16, certain lifetime complimentary license holders, qualifying people with disabilities, and armed forces members on leave.

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: 146 • No: 77

House vote • 3/31/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 36 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/28/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 12

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

Floor Amendment {743524/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected

Yes: 17 • No: 29

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 46

    4/8/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    3/31/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (96-36)

    3/31/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/28/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/28/2025House

  6. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  7. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/3/2025House

  8. Third Reading Passed (33-12)

    2/28/2025Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    2/26/2025Senate

  10. Floor Amendment {743524/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected (17-29)

    2/26/2025Senate

  11. Favorable Adopted

    2/26/2025Senate

  12. Motion Special Order until 2/26 (Senator Ready) Adopted

    2/25/2025Senate

  13. Favorable

    2/25/2025Senate

  14. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/24/2025Senate

  15. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/14/2025Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/8/2025Senate

  17. Pre-filed

    10/12/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/26/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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