MD SB431

Secretary of Natural Resources must review and update irreplaceable natural areas regulations by July 1, 2033, and every 10 years thereafter; endangered/threatened species lists must be reviewed by July 1, 2026, and every 5 years thereafter

Endangered/threatened species determinations must be made without reference to possible economic or other impacts, based solely on best available scientific, commercial, and other data

Secretary must delist species if data shows the species is extinct, has recovered, or new information reveals the entity does not meet endangered/threatened species definitions

Secretary may designate areas as essential habitats for endangered and threatened species and adopt management protocols for those habitats

Taking of any migratory bird listed under 50 C.F.R. § 10.13 (as of January 1, 2025) is prohibited, including incidental take; Department must promulgate regulations authorizing black vulture taking if federal protections are removed