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MarylandSB 06102026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

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

More ways for Bay fishers to harvest catfish

The Department of Natural Resources runs a pilot to cut invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Eligible captains can run for‑hire and commercial trips at the same time. South of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, the Department authorizes finfish trotlines for blue catfish and can limit areas to reduce bycatch or conflicts. The pilot may allow electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet, any number of hooks, non‑corrodible hooks, and a gill‑net program. The Department expands methods that work and keeps the pilot updated through June 30, 2030.

New $15 commercial catfish license

Maryland offers a commercial blue and flathead catfish license for tidal waters. It lets you catch blue catfish for sale with a finfish trotline or a gill net with mesh up to 7 inches, and flathead catfish with a trotline. You do not need a tidal fish license to apply. The license runs September 1 to August 31, costs $15 each year, cannot be transferred, and you must carry it while fishing. These rules apply through June 30, 2030.

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: 5

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 4

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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