Bill > HB631

This bill prohibits the State of Maryland, its instrumentalities, or political subdivisions from using eminent domain (a legal process that allows the government to take private property for public use) to acquire land that is already subject to a perpetual agricultural or conservation easement. An easement is a legal agreement that permanently restricts how land can be used, typically to protect environmental or agricultural resources. The bill modifies existing real property law to explicitly prevent the government from taking such protected lands, even if the government would normally have the right to acquire private property for public use. By adding this protection, the bill aims to provide additional security for landowners who have voluntarily placed conservation or agricultural restrictions on their property, ensuring that these lands cannot be seized by the government through eminent domain. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state and local government entities time to understand and implement the new restriction.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0631?ys=2025RS