Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB1400: Shellfish Aquaculture - Penalties - Suspension or Revocation of Permit or Registration Card
Status: Signed into law, April 28, 2026
Authorizing the suspension or revocation of a shellfish aquaculture harvester permit or shellfish aquaculture harvester registration card for certain violations; prohibiting a person whose permit or registration card has been suspended or revoked in accordance with the Act from engaging or working in any aquaculture activity during the suspension or revocation; authorizing a certain leaseholder and the Department of Natural Resources to complete a process to remove gear or transfer a shellfish aquaculture lease; etc.
What the bill says
A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Shellfish Aquaculture - Penalties - Suspension or Revocation of Permit or Registration Card FOR the purpose of authorizing the suspension or revocation of a shellfish aquaculture harvester permit or shellfish aquaculture harvester registration card for certain violations; prohibiting a person whose registration or permit card has been suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act from engaging or working in any aquaculture activity during the suspension or revocation; and generally relating to shellfish aquaculture…
From the introduced text, February 13, 2026:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Shellfish Aquaculture - Penalties - Suspension or Revocation of Permit or Registration Card FOR the purpose of authorizing the suspension or revocation of a shellfish aquaculture harvester permit or shellfish aquaculture harvester registration card for certain violations; prohibiting a person whose registration or permit card has been suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act from engaging or working in any aquaculture activity during the suspension or revocation; and generally relating to shellfish aquaculture. BY adding to Article - Natural Resources Section 4-1212 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 - Natural Resources 4-1212. (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS INDICATED. (2) "PERMIT" MEANS A SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE HARVESTER PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT. EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from exist in g l aw . *hb1400* HOUSE BILL 1400 (3) "REGISTRATION CARD" MEANS A SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE HARVESTER REGISTRATION CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT. (B) (1) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTY OR FINE PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, A PERSON WHO HOLDS A SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE HARVESTER PERMIT OR SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE HARVESTER REGISTRATION CARD AND RECEIVES A CITATION FOR AN OFFENSE …