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MarylandSB 05582026 Regular SessionSenate

Chesapeake Bay - Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund - Established

Sponsored By: Jack Bailey (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyHunting and FishingAppropriationsAquacultureBaltimore CityBridges and TunnelsChesapeake Bay -see also- Chesapeake Bay RestorationCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Debt ManagementDredgingEstates and Trusts -see also- BeneficiariesFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevIndustry and ManufacturingLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFAMeat, Poultry, Seafood -see also- Clams; Crabs; Food; OysterNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofNoticesOystersPortsPublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Shipping -see also- Delivery ServicesSmall BusinessTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etc

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Loans for watermen and small seafood businesses

Maryland creates a Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund run by MARBIDCO starting July 1, 2026. Commercial watermen and small seafood businesses can get loans and other help. MARBIDCO sets who can apply, loan amounts and terms, and any forgiveness based on repayment. The Fund is special and nonlapsing; the State holds it separately and can invest it. Up to $337,500 may be moved from each of two programs to seed the Fund, and must be repaid by June 30, 2028. Money can be used only for assistance and to run the Fund, and spending follows the State budget.

Tidal fish license transfer blocked if late

If you hold a tidal fish license and are delinquent on a Fund loan, DNR will not approve a transfer of your license. MARBIDCO must tell DNR when you are delinquent and when you are back in compliance. This rule applies starting July 1, 2026.

State funding for oyster restoration

The law creates the Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program to fund oyster propagation and replenishment tied to transportation impacts. Starting in fiscal year 2028, the Governor includes $2.25 million each year for the Program. At least $1.5 million each year must pay for oyster propagation and replenishment projects. The Department of Natural Resources runs the program and allocates the funds.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jack Bailey

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Paul D. Corderman

    Republican • Senate

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • J.B. Jennings

    Republican • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cory V. McCray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Craig J. Zucker

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 5

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 5 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 552

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (131-5)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {623523/1 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

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Floor Amendment {893820/1 (Senator Bailey) Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Motion Returned Second Reading (Senator Bailey) Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  15. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/16/2026Senate

  16. Favorable with Amendments {473721/1 Adopted

    3/16/2026Senate

  17. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/16/2026Senate

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

    2/5/2026Senate

  19. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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