Environment

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 164: Natural Resources - Pamela J. Kelly Tree-Mendous Maryland Program - Alterations

SB 164 amends Maryland's Pamela J. Kelly Tree-Mendous Maryland Program to explicitly prioritize advancing forest health and resilience through the promotion and maintenance of native trees and shrubs. The bill directly affects the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (which administers the program), public land managers, community spaces, school grounds, and rights-of-way where tree planting occurs. Key provisions change the program's stated purpose in state law to require native species for all planting and maintenance efforts on public lands. This policy shift focuses on using locally adapted plants to strengthen ecosystems rather than non-native species. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, pending final legislative approval.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates native species for forest health/resilience, directly advancing conservation and ecosystem protection per bill's explicit purpose change.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 734: Property Tax - Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems

HB 734 extends the deadline for community solar energy systems to qualify for agricultural property tax assessment from 2025 to December 31, 2030. It applies to systems placed in service after June 30, 2022, and approved by the Public Service Commission by the new deadline. The bill ensures land used for qualifying community solar projects is assessed as actively farmed agricultural land, allowing property owners to receive lower tax rates. This directly affects landowners operating community solar systems that meet these criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends agricultural tax assessment for solar projects, lowering property taxes for qualifying landowners by maintaining reduced tax rates under agricultural classification.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends tax incentives for community solar projects, lowering costs for developers and promoting renewable energy adoption through agricultural tax assessment benefits.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends tax incentives for community solar projects, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's focus on qualifying solar systems.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 841: Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act

SB 841 changes how Maryland uses fees paid by utilities to fund renewable energy projects. Instead of direct grants, it requires the Maryland Energy Administration to run annual competitive auctions where developers bid to build renewable energy projects. The bill sets specific targets for project capacity, deadlines for completion, and eligibility rules for bidders, including prioritizing projects benefiting low-income or overburdened communities. It redirects existing compliance fees - previously used for solar grants - into this auction system to accelerate renewable energy development.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRedirects utility compliance fees to fund renewable projects via competitive auctions with capacity targets and prioritizes low-income community benefits, advancing renewable energy infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes competitive auctions for renewable energy projects with capacity targets, prioritizing low-income communities, directly advancing clean energy funding and environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 1067: Hunting - Lead and Lead-Based Ammunition - Phase-Out

HB 1067 requires Maryland's Department of Natural Resources to phase out lead ammunition for hunting all game species by July 1, 2029. It directly affects hunters using firearms for deer, upland game birds, migratory birds, turkey, and other game, with earlier deadlines: pen-raised birds by 2027, upland/migratory birds and turkey by 2028, and deer by 2029. The bill mandates non-lead ammunition (defined as <1% lead content or federally approved non-toxic options) but allows exceptions for muzzleloaders, handguns, rifles, and shotguns if non-lead ammo isn't commercially available. The law requires the department to adopt regulations for each phase and make them available with hunting licenses. This policy aims to reduce lead exposure in humans (from consumed venison) and wildlife (from carcasses).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhases out lead ammunition to reduce environmental lead pollution, aligning with conservation and pollution control goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 146: Environment - On-Site Wastewater Systems - Requirements for Inspection and Pumping Services and Implementation Dates

HB 146 requires landlords of properties with on-site wastewater systems (like septic systems) to ensure the system is inspected and pumped by a licensed professional before each new tenant moves in, starting July 1, 2028. It also mandates that real estate sales contracts for such properties include a condition requiring the buyer to confirm the system has been inspected and pumped by a licensed professional before closing. The law allows inspections and pumping services to remain valid for three years and requires property owners to notify authorities if a system fails. Exemptions include transfers between family members, refinancing, or initial construction. The bill sets deadlines for the state to adopt regulations (by 2027) and license service providers (by 2028).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires inspections/pumping of septic systems to prevent pollution, aligning with environmental protection goals by ensuring proper wastewater management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 181: Hunting - Restrictions of Venison Donation

Maryland's SB 181 requires hunters to use non-lead ammunition for all game species by specific dates: pen-raised birds by July 1, 2027; upland birds, migratory birds, and turkeys by July 1, 2028; and deer and other game by July 1, 2029. It directly affects licensed hunters using firearms for hunting in Maryland, excluding muzzleloaders and handguns if non-lead ammunition isn't commercially available. The bill defines "non-lead ammunition" as having less than 1% lead content or being federally approved as non-toxic. The Department of Natural Resources must adopt these regulations by the specified deadlines. The bill is pending approval and has not yet taken effect.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhasing out lead ammunition reduces lead pollution in ecosystems, protecting wildlife and habitats from toxic contamination per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 165: Environment - On-Site Wastewater Systems - Implementation Dates

This bill requires landlords and property sellers in Maryland to ensure septic systems are inspected and pumped by licensed professionals before new tenants move in or property is sold. Landlords must comply by July 1, 2028, and inspections/pumping are valid for three years. Home sellers must include this requirement in real estate contracts starting July 1, 2028, with settlement delayed until proof of inspection and pumping is provided. Exceptions apply for transfers between family members, refinancing, or initial construction. Property owners must also report failing systems to local health departments and confirm repairs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates septic inspections/pumping to prevent groundwater contamination, directly reducing pollution and protecting natural resources per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 559: Natural Resources - Recreational Fishery Data Collection Program - Established

SB 559 requires recreational anglers in Maryland with a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or registration to report their striped bass catches to the Department of Natural Resources. The bill mandates the Department to create regulations allowing multiple reporting methods, including a mobile app (to be prioritized where feasible) and alternatives for people without internet access. It directly affects all licensed recreational fishermen targeting striped bass in Maryland’s coastal waters and the Chesapeake Bay. The key provision is establishing a mandatory reporting system to improve catch data collection, with specific requirements for accessible and technologically flexible reporting options. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires catch reporting for striped bass management, supporting sustainable fisheries conservation through data collection and resource monitoring.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 754: Land Use - Preservation of Natural Resources

SB 754 authorizes Maryland local jurisdictions (cities and counties) to adopt local laws preserving natural resources like land, water, forests, wetlands, and floodplains. The bill adds specific preservation tools to local zoning authority, including transfer of development rights, conservation easements, open space programs, cluster subdivisions, and riparian/wetland buffer protections. It updates existing land use law (Section 7-101) to explicitly list these mechanisms as approved methods for protecting natural resources while facilitating development. The bill does not create statewide mandates but gives local governments additional legal options to implement conservation measures.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly authorizes local preservation tools (conservation easements, wetland buffers) for natural resources, directly advancing environmental protection through land use policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 203: Environment - Lead Paint Abatement Services - Performance Bond and Liability Insurance

SB 203 requires accredited lead paint abatement service providers in Maryland to maintain a reasonable performance bond or liability insurance policy. This applies to any person accredited by the Department of the Environment to conduct lead paint hazard removal, containment, or renovation work in buildings constructed before 1978. The law amends existing regulations to mandate this financial protection, ensuring providers can cover costs if services fail to meet standards. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all accredited professionals performing lead abatement work.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates financial safeguards for lead paint abatement providers to prevent environmental health hazards, ensuring accountability for pollution control in pre-1978 buildings.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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