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MarylandSB 06102026 Regular SessionSenate

Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program - Alterations

Sponsored By: Johnny Mautz (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingBoundariesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Emergency BillsFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFishing Nets and DevicesInvasive Species -see also- Animals; Insects; PlantsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPilot ProgramsReportsSunset

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New blue catfish pilot for fishers

The Department of Natural Resources runs a Blue Catfish Pilot in the Chesapeake Bay. Eligible for-hire and commercial operators can run both trip types at the same time. The Department authorizes finfish trotlines south of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge where feasible, and can close areas to avoid bycatch or user conflicts. It can allow electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet, no hook limit, and non-corrodible hooks. The Department must grow any practices that prove effective and keep updating the Pilot. These authorities apply through June 30, 2030.

Old trotline license for catfish repealed

The law repeals the commercial finfish trotline license for blue and flathead catfish. The $15 annual fee and the nontransferable rule under that statute are gone.

Law takes effect now, ends 2030

This emergency law takes effect on the day it is enacted. It stays in place through June 30, 2030, and then ends.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Johnny Mautz

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 175 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 42

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    4/9/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/3/2026House

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

    3/25/2026House

  7. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/24/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    3/23/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {893922/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026Senate

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

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/5/2026

    PDF

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