General Provisions – Commemorative Month – Maryland Native Plant Month

SB 229 designates May as Maryland Native Plant Month by requiring the Governor to annually issue a proclamation. The proclamation urges educational organizations, environmental groups, and businesses to host events and activities celebrating native plants. It defines "native plant" as species naturally occurring in Maryland before colonial settlement or listed on the Maryland Plant Atlas. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and creates no new funding or regulatory requirements - only an annual recognition effort.