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MarylandSB 03632025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation - Oyster Shucking House Loan Program

Sponsored By: Jack Bailey (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Economic DevelopmentIndustry and TechnologyLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFAMeat, Poultry, Seafood -see also- Clams; Crabs; Food; OysterOystersPublic Corporations and Instrumentalities -see also- HBERestaurantsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)TimeWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher seasonal-job loan limits for seafood businesses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland's Oyster Shucking House Loan Program offers up to $250,000 for eligible seafood processing projects. Financing allows up to $25,000 per projected seasonal full-time job created or kept, up from $10,000. The limit for each year-round full-time job is $25,000. Seasonal jobs must require at least 420 hours during 12 weeks within a three-month period. Projects, including historic oyster shucking facilities, must increase oyster shells kept in Maryland and returned to the Chesapeake Bay. Borrowers must follow state oyster-shell requirements until repayment and report jobs created or kept annually for three years, starting one year after receiving financing. The corporation must forgive loan debt based on the state's current market value for shells returned free to Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. Alternatively, forgiveness is $25 per bushel of shells bearing young oysters planted on public fishery bottoms, as verified by the department. The law also requires a $1 million fiscal year 2024 appropriation in a special account solely for program loans and operating costs.

Seafood businesses qualify for loans sooner

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland seafood dealers can qualify for program loans after three licensed years, down from five. Applicants can also qualify with five years holding a tidal fish license and agreement to obtain a seafood dealer license upon financing. Applicants must have paid all applicable business taxes and fees for the past five years. A business plan and financial projections must show potential for the business to become viable within five years after financing. Applicants must also meet the corporation's other eligibility requirements and agree to its financing terms.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jack Bailey

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 172 • No: 7

House vote • 3/31/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 125 • No: 7 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/14/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 174

    4/22/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    3/31/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (125-7)

    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

    3/15/2025House

  8. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    3/14/2025Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/13/2025Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/13/2025Senate

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

    3/13/2025Senate

  12. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2025Senate

  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/13/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/17/2025

    PDF

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