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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

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

Bounties or free native trees for removal

Beginning October 1, 2026, counties and cities can offer a bounty or a free native tree when you remove and eradicate trees of heaven or other listed invasive trees. Programs must require correct species ID using the University of Maryland Extension resources. They must also require removal or eradication by accepted methods. Local governments decide who qualifies and how rewards are given.

Fines and damage repair for invasive plants

Beginning October 1, 2026, counties and cities can require people to fix damage caused by invasive bamboo or listed invasive trees. They can also set civil fines for breaking local invasive-plant rules. Local ordinances decide the duties, fine amounts, and how enforcement works.

Local bans on selling and planting invasive plants

Beginning October 1, 2026, counties and cities can ban selling or planting invasive bamboo, trees of heaven, and any tree on Maryland’s Prohibited Invasive Plants list. Local rules can also bar letting these plants grow on your property without proper upkeep and containment. If your area adopts an ordinance, owners, renters, landscapers, and sellers must follow these local planting and containment rules.

What counts as invasive trees and bamboo

Beginning October 1, 2026, a listed invasive tree means any tree on Maryland’s Prohibited Invasive Plants list. Invasive bamboo means nonnative bamboo that spreads aggressively, including Phyllostachys species. This helps owners, landscapers, and sellers know what species local rules can cover. It can also limit which plants you may sell or plant if your county adopts rules.

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: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 125 • No: 6 • Other: 5

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/19/2026

    PDF

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