Bill > HB684

This bill modifies the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund by expanding its scope beyond just Deep Creek Lake to potentially include all state-owned or state-managed lakes. The bill alters the fund's purpose to protect and restore lakes through activities like sediment removal, contamination treatment, preventing invasive species spread, and improving ecological and recreational value. The legislation reduces the annual appropriation from $1,000,000 to $500,000 and extends the fund's operation for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. The fund will remain a special, non-lapsing account administered by the Secretary, with money invested by the State Treasurer and any interest earnings credited back to the fund. The bill emphasizes that these expenditures are supplemental to existing lake protection funding and do not replace other potential appropriations. Importantly, the bill extends the Act's effectiveness from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2028, ensuring continued support for lake protection and restoration efforts in Maryland during that period.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0684?ys=2025RS