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MD HB912
Bill
Status
2/5/2026
Primary Sponsor
Michele Guyton
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AI Summary
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Exempts persons providing care to community cats under a trap-neuter-return (TNR) policy from Maryland's criminal prohibition against animal abandonment
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Prohibits local TNR policies from requiring registration or certification for community cat caregivers
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Requires local TNR policies to allow caregivers to reclaim impounded community cats without proof of ownership and to return eartipped cats to their original location unless veterinary care is needed
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Establishes TNR as the preferred disposition for impounded community cats and preempts any local laws or regulations that prohibit or restrict TNR practices
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Takes effect October 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Local Government - Trap-Neuter-Return Policies for Community Cats - Requirements and Restrictions (Ash's Law)
Counties
Last Action
Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
2/10/2026