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MarylandSB 07032026 Regular SessionSenate

Caroline County - Regulation of Animals - Dogs

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Counties - Local LawsApplicants and ApplicationsCaroline CountyDogsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsRules and Regulations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Animal control officers and shelter funding

Starting Oct 1, 2026, the County Commissioners may appoint animal control officers with peace-officer powers. They can sell licenses and seize or dispose of stray, injured, unlicensed, diseased, or dangerous dogs under county rules. Dogs taken can be placed in county shelters; the county can run its own shelter or share one with nearby counties. Dog license fees can be used to build and run shelters and to collect, care for, or euthanize dogs. The county may hire others by contract to enforce the rules and can cancel a contract for cause without notice, or with at least 30 days’ notice if without cause.

County sets new dog licensing rules

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, Caroline County sets its own dog licensing rules. The old state rule to apply to the tax collector by July 1 each year is repealed, and the detailed tag rules and 25-cent replacement fee are removed. The County Commissioners can set procedures, pick who sells licenses, and set rules for seizing dogs found running at large. Before adopting a rule, the county must publish a summary in a local newspaper once a week for two weeks and let people be heard. The rules must include standards and apply the same across the county.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 340

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (120-0)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/11/2026House

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

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/20/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/17/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/17/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/16/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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