Natural Resources - Removal and Storage of Abandoned or Sunken Vessels - Funding

SB 301 allows Maryland's Department of Natural Resources to use funds budgeted for the Natural Resources Police to remove and store abandoned or sunken vessels. The bill defines these vessels as those left without permission on public property for over 30 days, on private property for 30-180 days without consent, or found adrift in state waters in disrepair and posing a hazard. It removes a prior restriction that blocked using Natural Resources Police funds for this purpose, making these resources available for vessel removal and storage. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.