Bill > SB431

This bill mandates that the Secretary of Natural Resources must review and update regulations concerning endangered and threatened species, including fish, wildlife, and migratory birds, at least every 10 years, with the first update required by July 1, 2033, and subsequent reviews every 10 years thereafter. It also clarifies that when making decisions about species status, the Secretary should consider factors beyond just the economic impacts, and introduces specific criteria for delisting a species if it is extinct, has recovered, or was incorrectly listed. Furthermore, the bill outlines detailed information required in petitions submitted to remove a species from protection lists, ensuring these petitions are based on substantial evidence, and allows the Secretary to designate "essential habitats" for endangered and threatened species, which are areas critical for their survival. The bill also prohibits the "take" of migratory birds listed under federal regulations as of January 1, 2025, and defines "harm" to include significant habitat modification that impairs essential behaviors like breeding or feeding, applying these protections to both fish and wildlife.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0431?ys=2026RS