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MD HB1249

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/7/2025

Primary Sponsor

Jay Jacobs

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Department of Natural Resources regulations must establish a pilot program authorizing electrofishing for catching blue catfish in Maryland's tidal waters.
  • Finfish trotlines of up to 2,400 feet in length are authorized, with no limit on the number of hooks used and non-corrodible hooks permitted.
  • Department of Agriculture must report to the General Assembly by September 1, 2025 on needs and best practices for collecting, processing, marketing, and financing blue catfish harvesting.
  • Commercial blue and flathead catfish finfish trotline license costs $15 annually, runs September 1 through August 31, and does not require a separate tidal fish license.
  • Designated as an emergency bill requiring three-fifths vote in both houses, taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Legislative Description

Natural Resources - Blue Catfish - Population Control

Rules and Regulations

Last Action

Hearing 2/28 at 1:00 p.m.

2/7/2025

Committee Referrals

Environment and Transportation2/7/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available