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MarylandSB 04312026 Regular SessionSenate

Fish and Wildlife - Endangered and Threatened Species and Migratory Birds - Regulations, Lists, Petitions, Essential Habitats, and Takings

Sponsored By: Benjamin Brooks (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkAquacultureBirdsClassifications and DesignationsEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEvaluations and ReviewsFederal GovernmentFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPetitionsPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsRules and RegulationsStandards and Best PracticesTimeWildlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Science-based endangered species lists and reviews

The Department lists endangered and threatened fish, wildlife, and plants using the best science, not economics. Federal endangered species count as listed in Maryland. The Department gives public notice and at least 30 days for comments, except in emergencies. Lists are reviewed by July 1, 2026 and at least every 5 years. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Essential habitats and State action rules

The Secretary can name essential habitats for nongame, threatened, or endangered species and set management rules. The State can buy land or habitat to protect these species. The Governor and State agencies must avoid actions that jeopardize listed species or damage critical habitat. These steps can add limits on land use inside essential habitats. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

New rules on taking and selling wildlife

The law bans taking, owning, transporting, selling, or shipping nongame wildlife the Secretary says needs conservation. It also bans taking, including incidental take, of any migratory bird listed in federal rules as of January 1, 2025. People can petition to add or remove species if they provide strong evidence. For listed endangered wildlife and plants, export, take, sale, and transport are banned, with limited permits for science or to help a species survive. Carriers may not knowingly ship restricted wildlife. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Protecting rare natural areas on state lands

The Department of Natural Resources runs an Irreplaceable Natural Areas Program to protect biodiversity on State-owned land. The rules map these areas, set goals, and list activities that are allowed or banned. The Department reviews these rules by July 1, 2033 and at least every 10 years. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

State depredation permits for black vultures

If federal protections for black vultures end, the Department must set State rules that allow taking black vultures, like federal depredation permits. This gives farmers and property owners a way to address livestock or crop damage. Until that trigger happens, no new State authorization applies. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 195 • No: 28

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 108 • No: 26 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 212

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-1)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (108-26)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {113026/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/9/2026House

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

    3/25/2026House

  10. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/17/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (44-1)

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/11/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {553726/1 Adopted

    3/11/2026Senate

  14. Motion Special Order until 3/11 (Senator Mautz) Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {553726/1

    3/10/2026Senate

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

    3/9/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/30/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/30/2026

    PDF

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