MD SB946

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

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

Secretary must find that the incidental taking will not appreciably reduce the species' survival or recovery likelihood, impacts will be minimized, adequate funding exists, and federal authorization has been obtained

Adds new Section 10–2A–05.3 to the Natural Resources Article, modeled after the existing incidental taking permit framework for the Delmarva fox squirrel

Takes effect October 1, 2025