Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB1024: Eminent Domain - Agricultural and Conservation Easements - Prohibited Taking
Status: In committee, March 3, 2026
Prohibiting the State or any of its instrumentalities or political subdivisions from taking certain property that is subject to a perpetual agricultural or conservation easement.
What the bill says
A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Eminent Domain - Agricultural and Conservation Easements - Prohibited Taking FOR the purpose of prohibiting the State or any of its instrumentalities or political subdivisions from taking certain property that is subject to a permanent agricultural or conservation easement; and generally relating to eminent domain. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Real Property Section 12-101 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).
From the introduced text, February 10, 2026:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Eminent Domain - Agricultural and Conservation Easements - Prohibited Taking FOR the purpose of prohibiting the State or any of its instrumentalities or political subdivisions from taking certain property that is subject to a permanent agricultural or conservation easement; and generally relating to eminent domain. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Real Property Section 12-101 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Real Property 12-101. (a) All proceedings for the acquisition of private property for public use by condemnation are governed by the provisions of this title and of Title 12, Chapter 200 of the Maryland Rules. (b) (1) [Nothing] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, NOTHING in this title prevents this State or any of its instrumentalities or political subdivisions, acting under statute or ordinance passed pursuant to Article III of EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from exist in g l aw . *hb1024* HOUSE BILL 1024 the Maryland Constitution, from taking private property for public use immediately on making the required payment and giving any required security. (2) THE STATE OR ANY OF ITS INSTRUMENTALITIES OR …