HB 893 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Tidal Fish Licenses - Oyster Authorizations - Administrative Penalties

HB 893 changes Maryland's oyster fishing regulations by replacing license revocation with license suspension for certain violations. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to suspend (not revoke) oyster licenses for up to 2 years for first offenses or up to 10 years for repeat offenses involving violations like harvesting near closed areas, using prohibited gear, or harvesting outside time restrictions. The bill also creates a reinstatement process: individuals whose licenses were revoked before July 1, 2025, can regain their license after 2 years for a first violation or 10 years for a repeat violation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies directly to oyster harvesters in Maryland.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

May 2025

Introduced Jan 30, 2025 Signed May 13, 2025

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What changed between versions

First - Tidal Fish Licenses - Oyster Authorizations - Administrative Penalties → Third - Tidal Fish Licenses - Oyster Authorizations - Administrative Penalties · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill modifies the penalties for oyster fishing violations in Maryland by introducing a tiered suspension system instead of immediate revocation for first-time offenders. The changes allow for reinstatement of fishing rights after specific time periods and clarify the conditions under which oyster authorizations can be suspended versus revoked.

Scope change

The bill applies to persons holding oyster authorizations who commit violations of the oyster fishery regulations, with specific provisions for offenses committed before July 1, 2025.

ENFORCEMENT

Changed penalty structure from immediate revocation to a tiered system where first violations result in suspension for up to 2-5 years and second or subsequent violations result in suspension for up to 10 years or revocation.

Modified hearing requirements to apply to both suspension and revocation cases, with the hearing timeline provision retained for first-time violations.

Updated language to clarify that persons whose authorizations are suspended or revoked cannot engage in oyster fishing during those periods.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions allowing reinstatement of oyster fishing entitlements after specified suspension or revocation periods, particularly for first-time offenders.

TIMELINE

Added specific reinstatement timeline for authorizations revoked before July 1, 2025, allowing applications to be accepted starting 5 years after the revocation date.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 15, 2025 · House of Delegates Mar 1, 2025

How they voted

46–0

Passed

Total votes 46

Mar 15, 2025

D Democratic33

33 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 13, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 552

executive

Apr 2, 2025

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 2, 2025

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted

upper

Mar 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 15, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (46-0)

senate

Mar 12, 2025

Committee

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 12, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 11, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Mar 1, 2025

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (137-0-2)

house of delegates

Jan 30, 2025

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

14 primary · 0 co-sponsors