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MarylandSB 02662026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Local Government - Regulatory Powers - Regulation of Invasive Trees

Sponsored By: Benjamin Brooks (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Local Government - GenerallyAgricultureAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Civil OffensesClassifications and DesignationsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Environmental HealthEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Insects -see also- Bees; Pest ControlInvasive Species -see also- Animals; Insects; PlantsLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPest ControlReal PropertyStandards and Best PracticesTrees

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Local bans, upkeep, and fines for invasive trees

Beginning October 1, 2026, every Maryland county and city can set rules for invasive bamboo, tree of heaven, and trees on the state prohibited list. Local governments can ban selling or planting these species. They can require owners to contain or remove them on private property, including using barriers or trenches. They can order cleanup of damage and set civil fines. Each county or city decides the exact rules and penalties.

Bounties or replacements for removing invasive trees

Beginning October 1, 2026, your county or city can offer a bounty or a native tree replacement if you remove trees of heaven or other listed invasive trees. To get the reward, the tree must be identified using the University of Maryland Agriculture Extension species page. Removal must follow the methods on that page or other accepted methods. These programs are local and optional, and payment amounts and rules come from your county or city.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 199 • No: 19

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 36 • No: 6 • Other: 5

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 125 • No: 6 • Other: 11

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 38 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 209

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (36-6)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (125-6)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {563620/1 Adopted

    4/3/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/3/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  10. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/20/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (38-7)

    3/19/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {363728/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

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

    3/18/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/23/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/19/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/19/2026

    PDF

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