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MarylandSB 03712026 Regular SessionSenate

Water Pollution Control - Discharge Permits - Animal Feeding Operations

Sponsored By: Mary Beth Carozza (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentAgricultureAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkConstructionEmergency BillsEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.Permits -see also- Building PermitsRules and RegulationsTimeWater Pollution

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New construction path for Maryland animal farms

Beginning April 28, 2026, Maryland’s Department of the Environment can approve construction of any part of a new concentrated animal feeding operation. This replaces the requirement to obtain a farm discharge permit before construction starts. Approval is available only while the general farm discharge permit is kept in effect through an administrative extension. Applicants must show they meet the extended permit’s coverage requirements, other applicable laws and regulations, and required construction permits. The department cannot issue a farm discharge permit to anyone who violates these construction rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary Beth Carozza

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jason C. Gallion

    Republican • Senate

  • Stephen S. Hershey

    Republican • Senate

  • Johnny Mautz

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 253

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/9/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

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

    3/25/2026House

  7. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/13/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {373221/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

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

    3/9/2026Senate

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

    1/28/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2026

    PDF

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