MD HB894

Authorizes the Secretary of Natural Resources to issue incidental taking permits for four endangered or threatened bat species: Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat, and eastern small-footed bat

Applicants must submit a conservation plan detailing the likely impact, steps to minimize and mitigate harm, available funding, and alternative actions considered

Secretary may only issue permits after finding the taking will not appreciably reduce survival or recovery of the species, mitigation will occur, funding is adequate, and required federal authorization has been obtained

Secretary may adopt regulations to implement and enforce the new permit program

Effective date: October 1, 2025