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MarylandSB 05232026 Regular SessionSenate

Department of Natural Resources - Water Resources - Identification of Vernal Pools (Jack Cover Vernal Pools Act of 2026)

Sponsored By: Mary Washington (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkBoundariesClassifications and DesignationsDredgingEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFlood ControlJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMaps and ChartsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPermits -see also- Building PermitsPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsRivers, Streams, and LakesRules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesState Universities and CollegesWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Water PollutionWetlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Clear rules for vernal pool status

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law sets a clear test for a “vernal pool.” It must hold surface water for at least 2 straight months between November and May. Water typically drops to 6 inches or less between June and September. The pool is under 5 acres, has less than 30% emergent plants when full, and is partly shaded by trees. It also provides breeding or lasting habitat for native amphibians or invertebrates and may connect to other waters off and on. Land that meets this test can face added protections and permit steps.

Public list and trained staff find pools

Beginning October 1, 2026, the state keeps a public list of qualified vernal pools. The Natural Resources Department runs the list with the Environment Department and uses maps, science, and expert input, including from the University of Maryland. The list appears on the DNR website. The Environment Department must train staff to find likely pools and notify DNR. If a pool on your site is listed before a permit is issued, projects on that site must avoid, reduce, or offset impacts to the pool or its buffer.

Wetland rules still apply to pools

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law keeps the Environment Department’s authority over vernal pools that also count as nontidal wetlands. Existing wetland permit and buffer rules still apply to those sites. This does not reduce current obligations for landowners or developers near those wetlands.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 220 • No: 125

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 97 • No: 36 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/9/2026

Floor Amendment {843526/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected

Yes: 38 • No: 89 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 164

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (97-36)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Floor Amendment {843526/1 (Delegate Adams) Rejected (38-89)

    4/9/2026House

  8. Motion Special Order until Later This Session (Delegate Adams) Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {213420/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

  11. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  12. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/23/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    3/23/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {103120/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026Senate

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

    3/20/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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