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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, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Stricter bans on harming wildlife

The law bans taking, selling, moving, or possessing endangered plants and animals. It lets the Department issue limited permits for science or to help a species survive. The law defines “harm” to wildlife and fish to also include major habitat changes that stop breeding, feeding, or sheltering. This gives regulators broader power to stop activities that damage habitat.

How species get listed or removed

The law sets clear rules to list or remove endangered and threatened fish, wildlife, and plants. The Secretary must use the best science and a “foreseeable future” test. Anyone can petition for a review with strong evidence. The lists must name species and areas and be reviewed by July 1, 2026 and at least every 5 years. The Secretary must delist when data show extinction or recovery, which can lift limits; new listings can add protections that restrict some activities.

New habitat protections and land tools

The Department must run programs to conserve nongame, threatened, and endangered species. It can buy land or water habitat interests, name “essential habitats,” and set management rules with maps, threats, and allowed or banned uses. Other agencies must work with the Department to avoid harming listed species. These steps help conservation but can limit some uses in protected areas.

Black vulture control if feds delist

Beginning October 1, 2026, if federal protection for black vultures ends, Maryland will allow taking them under rules like a federal depredation permit. This helps farmers and landowners control birds that damage livestock or property when the federal change occurs.

Irreplaceable Natural Areas on state lands

The state creates an Irreplaceable Natural Areas Program on state‑owned lands. The Department must adopt rules by July 1, 2023 that map each area, note key features and threats, and list allowed and banned activities. The rules must be reviewed by July 1, 2033 and at least every 10 years. This protects special places and may limit some uses on state lands.

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: 6

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/30/2026

    PDF

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