Bill > HB40

This bill modifies fishing license and stamp fees in Maryland, significantly increasing costs for several types of licenses and removing a specific exemption. The legislation raises the annual fee for a resident consolidated senior sport fishing license from $5 to $12, and increases the resident angler's license fee from $20.50 to $32. Additionally, the bill eliminates the previous exemption that allowed holders of a resident consolidated senior sport fishing license to fish for trout without purchasing a separate trout stamp. The trout stamp fee itself is also increased from $5 to $20 for residents. Short-term fishing licenses will see similar price increases, with the 7-day license jumping from $7.50 to $16 for residents. For nonresidents, fishing license fees will also be substantially higher, with annual and short-term licenses seeing significant price hikes. The bill maintains existing exemptions for certain groups like military personnel on leave, people fishing on free fishing days, and those with disability exemptions. These changes are designed to generate more revenue for fish and wildlife management programs, with the Department of Natural Resources required to publicly report the collected fees and their expenditures annually. The new fees and regulations will take effect on June 1, 2025.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

Environment and Transportation (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0040?ys=2025RS