Environment - Appropriation or Use of Water and Dam Safety - Enforcement

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill authorizes the Maryland Department of the Environment to assess civil and administrative penalties for violations of water appropriation, wetland construction, and dam‑safety rules. It also restores the agency’s power to issue corrective orders and notices, requires notice and a hearing before penalties, and directs collected fines to the state’s Clean Water Fund (or the Private Dam Repair Fund for unsafe dams). The measure aims to strengthen enforcement of water‑resource protections.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Environment and Transportation — Bill Hearing
  Environment and Transportation · Feb 4, 2026

History

1. Apr 28, 2026Approved by the Governor - Chapter 273
2. Apr 8, 2026Third Reading Passed
3. Apr 8, 2026Returned Passed
4. Apr 6, 2026Second Reading Passed
5. Apr 6, 2026Favorable Adopted
6. Apr 3, 2026Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
7. Mar 19, 2026Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
8. Mar 18, 2026Third Reading Passed
9. Mar 18, 2026Second Reading Passed with Amendments
10. Mar 18, 2026Floor Amendment {
11. Mar 17, 2026Motion Special Order until 03/18 (Delegate Adams) Adopted
12. Mar 17, 2026Favorable with Amendments {

The 12 most recent of 16 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Chair, Environment and Transportation Committee · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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Topics

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