HB 947 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program - Alterations

HB 947 modifies Maryland's commercial blue and flathead catfish fishing license to allow holders to use gill nets with a mesh size of no more than 7 inches, in addition to the existing finfish trotline method. This change directly affects commercial fishermen who currently hold this specific license and wish to use the new gear. The bill updates the license regulations under Maryland's Natural Resources code without altering the $15 annual fee, one-year term (September 1-August 31), or other core requirements. It does not change eligibility, transferability, or possession rules for the license. The policy change specifically expands permitted fishing methods for blue catfish in tidal waters.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Signed Apr 14, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Department of Natural Resources - Commercial Blue and Flathead Catfish Finfish Trotline License - Alterations → Third - Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program - Alterations · 8 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly rewritten to shift from a standard commercial license for Blue and Flathead catfish to a temporary 'Pilot Program' specifically targeting invasive Blue catfish. The new version expands the scope to include Gill Net fishing, authorizes the use of electrofishing, and removes restrictions on hook numbers and line length to maximize harvest efficiency. The program is set to run until June 30, 2030, with a requirement for the Department to submit annual performance reports to legislative committees.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from a permanent commercial license for both Blue and Flathead catfish to a temporary, flexible pilot program focused exclusively on controlling the invasive Blue catfish population. It now explicitly includes Gill Net fishing and allows for experimental methods like electrofishing.

SCOPE

Added the 'Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program' as the primary focus, replacing the general commercial license title.

Expanded the program to include the 'Blue Catfish Gill Net Program' alongside existing trotline programs.

REQUIREMENT

Authorized the use of electrofishing to harvest invasive catfish.

Removed the limit on the number of hooks allowed on a finfish trotline.

Allowed the use of non-corrodible hooks.

Mandated annual reports to the Senate and House Environment committees detailing program findings and recommendations.

TIMELINE

Changed the bill's duration from a standard term to a fixed end date of June 30, 2030.

ELIGIBILITY

Replaced the specific $15 annual fee with a pilot program structure that allows the Department to make regulatory changes to increase harvest.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 5, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 14, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 41

executive

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

upper

Apr 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Committee

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 16, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Mar 5, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (130-0-12)

house of delegates

Feb 5, 2026

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

14 primary · 0 co-sponsors