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MD HB1267

MD HB1267
Patuxent Research Refuge and Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - Zoning Classification (Protecting Patuxent Research Refuge Act)


summary

Introduced
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Requiring a certain local zoning authority to designate and maintain certain property in a zoning classification that restricts the uses in a certain manner under certain circumstances; and requiring the appropriate authority to maintain certain property in a certain zoning classification that restricts the uses in a certain manner under certain circumstances.

AI Summary

This bill requires local zoning authorities to designate and maintain specific federally owned properties, namely the Patuxent Research Refuge and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, within zoning classifications that restrict land use to open space, reserved open space, or other resource conservation purposes. This means that even if the federal government or an assignee sells, leases, or otherwise transfers any part of these lands, the zoning classification must remain restrictive, prohibiting commercial, industrial, or residential development. The bill also clarifies that the district council, which is a governing body for certain regional districts, cannot approve any exceptions or modifications to these required zoning classifications for the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. This legislation aims to protect these important research and conservation areas by ensuring their land use remains consistent with their current designations.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

House Economic Matters Hearing (13:00:00 3/6/2026 ) (on 03/06/2026)

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