MD
Maryland House Bill HB1228

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB1228 Compare Versions

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1- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 30
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 30
5-(House Bill 1228)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *hb1228*
89
9-Natural Resources – Oysters – Spat, Shells, and Substrate
10+HOUSE BILL 1228
11+M1 2lr2871
12+ CF SB 830
13+By: Delegates Crosby, Clark, Boyce, Barve, and Stein
14+Introduced and read first time: February 11, 2022
15+Assigned to: Environment and Transportation
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+House action: Adopted
18+Read second time: March 12, 2022
1019
11-FOR the purpose of establishing various programs, goals, research requirements, planning
12-requirements, and funding requirements related to oyster spat, oyster shells, and
13-oyster substrate; requiring the Maryland Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry
14-Development Corporation to provide loans and grants up to a certain amount to
15-finance the eligible costs of certain eligible seafood processing projects; replacing the
16-oyster shell recycling tax credit with an annual grant program administered by the
17-Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Maryland Geological Survey, in
18-conjunction with certain other entities, to conduct certain bottom surveys; requiring
19-the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to conduct research
20-evaluations related to substrate in collaboration with certain entities; requiring the
21-Department to develop a certain substrate plan; providing for the construction and
22-expansion of certain oyster hatcheries; providing for oyster replenishment and
23-restoration in Eastern Bay; and generally relating to oysters.
20+CHAPTER ______
2421
25-BY repealing
26- Article – Tax – General
27-Section 10–724.1
28- Annotated Code of Maryland
29- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
3023
31-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
32- Article – Economic Development
33-Section 10–501(a), (f), and (l)
34- Annotated Code of Maryland
35- (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
24+Natural Resources – Oysters – Spat, Shells, and Substrate 2
3625
37-BY adding to
38- Article – Economic Development
39-Section 10–519.1
40- Annotated Code of Maryland
41- (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
26+FOR the purpose of establishing various programs, goals, research requirements, planning 3
27+requirements, and funding requirements related to oyster spat, oyster shells, and 4
28+oyster substrate; requiring the Maryland Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry 5
29+Development Corporation to provide loans and grants up to a certain amount to 6
30+finance the eligible costs of certain eligible seafood processing projects; replacing the 7
31+oyster shell recycling tax credit with an annual grant program administered by the 8
32+Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Maryland Geological Survey, in 9
33+conjunction with certain other entities, to conduct certain bottom surveys; requiring 10
34+the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to conduct research 11
35+evaluations related to substrate in collaboration with certain entities; requiring the 12
36+Department to develop a certain substrate plan; providing for the construction and 13
37+expansion of certain oyster hatcheries; providing for oyster replenishment and 14
38+restoration in Eastern Bay; and generally relating to oysters. 15
4239
43-BY repealing
44- Article – Natural Resources
45- Section 4–1019.1
46- Annotated Code of Maryland
47- (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement
40+BY repealing 16
41+ Article – Tax – General 17
42+Section 10–724.1 18
43+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
44+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 20
4845
49-BY adding to Ch. 30 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
46+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 21
47+ Article – Economic Development 22
48+Section 10–501(a), (f), and (l) 23 2 HOUSE BILL 1228
5049
51-– 2 –
52- Article – Natural Resources
53-Section 4–1019.1 and 4–1019.2(g)
54- Annotated Code of Maryland
55- (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
5650
57-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
58- Article – Natural Resources
59-Section 4–1102
60- Annotated Code of Maryland
61- (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
51+ Annotated Code of Maryland 1
52+ (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 2
6253
63- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
64-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
54+BY adding to 3
55+ Article – Economic Development 4
56+Section 10–519.1 5
57+ Annotated Code of Maryland 6
58+ (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 7
6559
66-Article – Tax – General
60+BY repealing 8
61+ Article – Natural Resources 9
62+ Section 4–1019.1 10
63+ Annotated Code of Maryland 11
64+ (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement 12
6765
68-[10–724.1.
66+BY adding to 13
67+ Article – Natural Resources 14
68+Section 4–1019.1 and 4–1019.2(g) 15
69+ Annotated Code of Maryland 16
70+ (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 17
6971
70- (a) (1) Subject to the limitations of this section, an individual or a corporation
71-may claim a credit against the State income tax in an amount equal to $5 for each bushel
72-of oyster shells recycled during the taxable year.
72+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 18
73+ Article – Natural Resources 19
74+Section 4–1102 20
75+ Annotated Code of Maryland 21
76+ (2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 22
7377
74- (2) An individual or a corporation that claims the credit under this section
75-shall provide verification of the amount of oyster shells recycled during the taxable year
76-with the individual or corporation tax return.
78+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 23
79+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 24
7780
78- (b) (1) For any taxable year, the credit allowed under this section may not
79-exceed the lesser of:
81+Article – Tax – General 25
8082
81- (i) $1,500; or
83+[10–724.1. 26
8284
83- (ii) the State income tax calculated before application of the credit
84-allowed under this section and §§ 10–701 and 10–701.1 of this subtitle.
85+ (a) (1) Subject to the limitations of this section, an individual or a corporation 27
86+may claim a credit against the State income tax in an amount equal to $5 for each bushel 28
87+of oyster shells recycled during the taxable year. 29
8588
86- (2) The unused amount of the credit may not be carried over to any other
87-taxable year.
89+ (2) An individual or a corporation that claims the credit under this section 30
90+shall provide verification of the amount of oyster shells recycled during the taxable year 31
91+with the individual or corporation tax return. 32
8892
89- (c) (1) The Department of Natural Resources and the Comptroller jointly shall
90-adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
93+ (b) (1) For any taxable year, the credit allowed under this section may not 33
94+exceed the lesser of: 34
9195
92- (2) The regulations shall establish eligibility criteria and provide for the
93-certification of businesses, landfills, and nonprofit organizations to verify the amount of
94-oyster shells recycled by each individual or corporation.]
96+ (i) $1,500; or 35
97+ HOUSE BILL 1228 3
9598
96- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read
97-as follows: LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 30
9899
99-– 3 –
100+ (ii) the State income tax calculated before application of the credit 1
101+allowed under this section and §§ 10–701 and 10–701.1 of this subtitle. 2
100102
101-Article – Economic Development
103+ (2) The unused amount of the credit may not be carried over to any other 3
104+taxable year. 4
102105
103-10–501.
106+ (c) (1) The Department of Natural Resources and the Comptroller jointly shall 5
107+adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section. 6
104108
105- (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
109+ (2) The regulations shall establish eligibility criteria and provide for the 7
110+certification of businesses, landfills, and nonprofit organizations to verify the amount of 8
111+oyster shells recycled by each individual or corporation.] 9
106112
107- (f) “Corporation” means the Maryland Agricultural and Resource –Based
108-Industry Development Corporation.
113+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURT HER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 10
114+as follows: 11
109115
110- (l) (1) “Project” means any property, the acquisition or improvement of which
111-the Board, in its sole discretion, determines by resolution will accomplish at least one of the
112-purposes listed in § 10–502 of this subtitle, whether or not the property, or any interest in
113-the property:
116+Article – Economic Development 12
114117
115- (i) is or will be used or operated for profit or not for profit;
118+10–501. 13
116119
117- (ii) is or will be located on one or more sites; or
120+ (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 14
118121
119- (iii) may be financed by bonds, the interest on which is exempt from
120-taxation under federal law.
122+ (f) “Corporation” means the Maryland Agricultural and Resource –Based 15
123+Industry Development Corporation. 16
121124
122- (2) “Project” includes:
125+ (l) (1) “Project” means any property, the acquisition or improvement of which 17
126+the Board, in its sole discretion, determines by resolution will accomplish at least one of the 18
127+purposes listed in § 10–502 of this subtitle, whether or not the property, or any interest in 19
128+the property: 20
123129
124- (i) property and rights related to the property, appurtenances,
125-rights–of–way, franchises, easements, and other interests in property;
130+ (i) is or will be used or operated for profit or not for profit; 21
126131
127- (ii) structures, equipment, furnishings, rail or motor vehicles,
128-barges, and boats;
132+ (ii) is or will be located on one or more sites; or 22
129133
130- (iii) property that is functionally related and subordinate to a project;
131-and
134+ (iii) may be financed by bonds, the interest on which is exempt from 23
135+taxation under federal law. 24
132136
133- (iv) patents, licenses, and other rights necessary or useful in the
134-improvement or operation of a project.
137+ (2) “Project” includes: 25
135138
136-10–519.1.
139+ (i) property and rights related to the property, appurtenances, 26
140+rights–of–way, franchises, easements, and other interests in property; 27
137141
138- (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING W ORDS HAVE THE MEANIN GS
139-INDICATED.
142+ (ii) structures, equipment, furnishings, rail or motor vehicles, 28
143+barges, and boats; 29
140144
141- (2) “ELIGIBLE SEAFOOD PROC ESSING PROJECT ” MEANS A PROJECT
142-TO ESTABLISH OR EXPA ND THE BUSINESS OF A LICENSED SEAFOOD DEA LER THAT:
143- Ch. 30 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
145+ (iii) property that is functionally related and subordinate to a project; 30
146+and 31 4 HOUSE BILL 1228
144147
145-– 4 –
146- (I) SUPPORTS THE GOAL OF INCREASING THE AMOUN T OF
147-OYSTER SHELLS RETAIN ED IN THE STATE AND RETURNED TO THE CHESAPEAKE
148-BAY; AND
149148
150- (II) MEETS THE CRITERIA E STABLISHED BY THE CORPORATION
151-UNDER THIS SECTION .
152149
153- (3) “LICENSED SEAFOOD DEAL ER” MEANS A PERSON LICEN SED
154-UNDER § 4–701 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE TO BUY, PROCESS, PACK,
155-RESELL, MARKET OR OTHERWISE DEAL IN FISH CAUGHT IN THE TIDAL WATERS OF
156-THE STATE.
150+ (iv) patents, licenses, and other rights necessary or useful in the 1
151+improvement or operation of a project. 2
157152
158- (4) “REPLETION” MEANS ENHANCING AREA S WHERE COMMER CIAL
159-HARVEST IS PERMITTED .
153+10–519.1. 3
160154
161- (B) (1) THE CORPORATION SHALL PRO VIDE LOANS AND GRANTS UP TO
162-$250,000 TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF ELIGIBLE SEAFOOD PROCESSING PROJECTS IN
163-ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION, INCLUDING HISTORIC O YSTER SHUCKING
164-FACILITIES, NOT TO EXCEED $25,000 FOR EACH FULL –TIME JOB THAT IS
165-PROJECTED TO BE CREA TED OR RETAINED .
155+ (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 4
156+INDICATED. 5
166157
167- (2) FINANCING PROVIDED UN DER THIS SECTION SHA LL BE
168-CONDITIONED ON THE A GREEMENT BY THE RECI PIENT TO RETURN, AT NO COST TO
169-THE STATE, ALL OYSTER SHELLS PR OCESSED BY THE RECIP IENT:
158+ (2) “ELIGIBLE SEAFOOD PROC ESSING PROJECT ” MEANS A PROJECT 6
159+TO ESTABLISH OR EXPA ND THE BUSINESS OF A LICENSED SEAFOOD DEA LER THAT: 7
170160
171- (I) TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, FOR USE
172-IN THE DEPARTMENT ’S REPLETION AND REST ORATION ACTIVITIES ; OR
161+ (I) SUPPORTS THE GOAL OF INCREASING THE AMOUN T OF 8
162+OYSTER SHELLS RETAIN ED IN THE STATE AND RETURNED TO THE CHESAPEAKE 9
163+BAY; AND 10
173164
174- (II) DIRECTLY TO OYSTER B ARS IN THE PUBLIC FI SHERY OR
175-RESTORATION AREAS , IN ACCORDANCE WITH R EGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT
176-OF NATURAL RESOURCES COMPLY WITH THE PROV ISIONS OF § 4–1019.2 OF THE
177-NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE UNTIL THE LOA N IS REPAID.
165+ (II) MEETS THE CRITERIA E STABLISHED BY THE CORPORATION 11
166+UNDER THIS SECTION . 12
178167
179- (3) THE CORPORATION SHALL FOR GIVE $35 OF ANY LOAN PROVIDED
180-UNDER THIS SECTION AS FOLLOWS:
168+ (3) “LICENSED SEAFOOD DEAL ER” MEANS A PERSON LICEN SED 13
169+UNDER § 4–701 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE TO BUY, PROCESS, PACK, 14
170+RESELL, MARKET OR OTHERWISE DEAL IN FISH CAUGHT IN THE TIDAL WATERS OF 15
171+THE STATE. 16
181172
182- (I) THE CURRENT MARKET V ALUE AS ESTABLISHED IN §
183-4–1019.2 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE FOR EACH BUSHEL OF O YSTER
184-SHELLS THAT THE LOAN RECIPIENT RETURNS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
185-RESOURCES AT NO COST; OR DIRECTLY TO OYSTER BARS IN AC CORDANCE WITH
186-PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION
187- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 30
173+ (4) “REPLETION” MEANS ENHANCING AREA S WHERE COMMER CIAL 17
174+HARVEST IS PERMITTED . 18
188175
189-– 5 –
190- (II) $25 FOR EACH BUSHEL OF S PAT–ON–SHELL THAT THE
191-PERSON PLANTS ON A P UBLIC FISHERY BOTTOM AS VERIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT
192-OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
176+ (B) (1) THE CORPORATION SHALL PRO VIDE LOANS AND GRANTS UP TO 19
177+$250,000 TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF ELIGIBLE SEAFOOD PROCESSING PROJECTS IN 20
178+ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION, INCLUDING HISTORIC O YSTER SHUCKING 21
179+FACILITIES, NOT TO EXCEED $25,000 FOR EACH FULL –TIME JOB THAT IS 22
180+PROJECTED TO BE CREA TED OR RETAINED . 23
193181
194- (C) A PERSON IS ELIGIBLE T O RECEIVE FINANCING UNDER THIS SECTION I F
195-THE PERSON:
182+ (2) FINANCING PROVIDED UN DER THIS SECTION SHA LL BE 24
183+CONDITIONED ON THE A GREEMENT BY THE RECI PIENT TO RETURN, AT NO COST TO 25
184+THE STATE, ALL OYSTER SHELLS PR OCESSED BY THE RECIP IENT: 26
196185
197- (1) (I) HAS BEEN A LICENSED SEAFOOD DEALER FOR A T LEAST 5
198-YEARS; OR
186+ (I) TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, FOR USE 27
187+IN THE DEPARTMENT ’S REPLETION AND REST ORATION ACTIVITIES ; OR 28
199188
200- (II) HAS HELD A TIDAL FIS H LICENSE ISSUED UND ER § 4–701 OF
201-THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS AND AGREES TO
202-OBTAIN A SEAFOOD DEA LER LICENSE ON RECEI VING FINANCING UNDER THIS
203-SECTION;
189+ (II) DIRECTLY TO OYSTER B ARS IN THE PUBLIC FI SHERY OR 29
190+RESTORATION AREAS , IN ACCORDANCE WITH R EGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT 30
191+OF NATURAL RESOURCES COMPLY WITH THE PROV ISIONS OF § 4–1019.2 OF THE 31
192+NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE UNTIL THE LOA N IS REPAID. 32 HOUSE BILL 1228 5
204193
205- (2) HAS PAID ALL APPLICA BLE BUSINESS TAXES A ND FEES FOR THE
206-PAST 5 YEARS;
207194
208- (3) DEMONSTRATES TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CORPORATION
209-THROUGH A BUSINESS P LAN AND PRO FORMA FI NANCIAL PROJECTIONS THAT,
210-WITHIN 5 YEARS AFTER RECEI VING FINANCING UNDER THIS SECTION , THE
211-PERSON’S SEAFOOD PROCESSING BUSINESS WILL:
212195
213- (I) EMPLOY AT LEAST 15 INDIVIDUALS; AND
196+ (3) THE CORPORATION SHALL FOR GIVE $35 OF ANY LOAN PROVIDED 1
197+UNDER THIS SECTION AS FOLLOWS: 2
214198
215- (II) HAVE THE POTENTIAL T O ACHIEVE VIABILITY AS A
216-BUSINESS; AND
199+ (I) THE CURRENT MARKET V ALUE AS ESTABLISHED IN § 3
200+4–1019.2 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE FOR EACH BUSHEL OF O YSTER 4
201+SHELLS THAT THE LOAN RECIPIENT RETURNS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL 5
202+RESOURCES AT NO COST; OR DIRECTLY TO OYSTER BARS IN AC CORDANCE WITH 6
203+PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION 7
217204
218- (4) MEETS ANY OTHER ELIG IBILITY REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY
219-THE CORPORATION ; AND
205+ (II) $25 FOR EACH BUSHEL OF SPAT –ON–SHELL THAT THE 8
206+PERSON PLANTS ON A P UBLIC FISHERY BOTTOM AS VERIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT 9
207+OF NATURAL RESOURCES. 10
220208
221- (5) AGREES TO THE FINANC ING TERMS AND CONDIT IONS
222-ESTABLISHED BY THE CORPORATION THAT ARE OTHERWISE IN CONFORM ANCE
223-WITH THIS SECTION .
209+ (C) A PERSON IS ELIGIBLE T O RECEIVE FINANCING UNDER THIS SECTION I F 11
210+THE PERSON: 12
224211
225- (D) (1) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE
226-ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO THE CORPORATION
227-FOR THE PURPOSE OF P ROVIDING GRANTS AND LOANS UNDER THIS SEC TION.
212+ (1) (I) HAS BEEN A LICENSED SEAFOOD DEALER FOR AT LEAST 5 13
213+YEARS; OR 14
228214
229- (2) THE APPROPRIATION IN PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION
230-SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO A SPECIAL ACCOUNT TO BE USED ONLY TO :
215+ (II) HAS HELD A TIDAL FIS H LICENSE ISSUED UND ER § 4–701 OF 15
216+THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS AND AGREES TO 16
217+OBTAIN A SEAFOOD DEA LER LICENSE ON RECEI VING FINANCING UNDER THIS 17
218+SECTION; 18
231219
232- (I) PROVIDE LOANS UNDER THIS SECTION; AND
233- Ch. 30 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
220+ (2) HAS PAID ALL APPLICABLE BUSINESS TAXES AND FEES FOR T HE 19
221+PAST 5 YEARS; 20
234222
235-– 6 –
236- (II) PAY THE COSTS NECESS ARY TO ADMINISTER AN D OPERATE
237-THIS SECTION.
223+ (3) DEMONSTRATES TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CORPORATION 21
224+THROUGH A BUSINESS P LAN AND PRO FORMA FI NANCIAL PROJECTIONS THAT, 22
225+WITHIN 5 YEARS AFTER RECEIVIN G FINANCING UNDER TH IS SECTION, THE 23
226+PERSON’S SEAFOOD PROCESSING B USINESS WILL: 24
238227
239-Article – Natural Resources
228+ (I) EMPLOY AT LEAST 15 INDIVIDUALS; AND 25
240229
241-[4–1019.1.
230+ (II) HAVE THE POTENTIAL T O ACHIEVE VIABILITY AS A 26
231+BUSINESS; AND 27
242232
243- The Department shall initiate the development of a program for enactment by the
244-Maryland General Assembly to encourage return of the State’s oyster shell resource to the
245-tidal waters of the State to assist oyster propagation. The Department also may use the
246-Fisheries Research and Development Fund to purchase oyster shell.]
233+ (4) MEETS ANY OTHER ELIG IBILITY REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY 28
234+THE CORPORATION ; AND 29
247235
248-4–1019.1.
236+ (5) AGREES TO THE FINANCING TERMS AND CONDITIONS 30
237+ESTABLISHED BY THE CORPORATION THAT ARE OTHERWISE IN CONFORM ANCE 31
238+WITH THIS SECTION . 32 6 HOUSE BILL 1228
249239
250- (A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE ANNUAL GRANTS TO NONPROFIT
251-ORGANIZATIONS , COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIO NS, RESTAURANTS , AND SEAFOOD
252-PROCESSORS AND DEALERS THAT RECYCLE OYSTER SHELLS BY PROVIDING THE
253-SHELL TO AN AUTHO RIZED SHELL RECYCLIN G COLLECTOR CERTIFIE D BY THE
254-DEPARTMENT .
255240
256- (B) (1) GRANTS TO NONPROFIT O RGANIZATIONS AND COM MUNITY
257-ASSOCIATIONS SHALL B E PROVIDED IN THE FO LLOWING AMOUNTS :
258241
259- (I) $100 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 5 BUT LESS THAN 20
260-BUSHELS OF OYSTER SHELLS IN A YEAR; AND
242+ (D) (1) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE 1
243+ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO THE CORPORATION 2
244+FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVID ING GRANTS AND LOANS UNDER THIS SEC TION. 3
261245
262- (II) $250 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 20 BUSHELS OF
263-OYSTER SHELLS IN A Y EAR.
246+ (2) THE APPROPRIATION IN PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION 4
247+SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO A SPECIAL ACCOUNT TO BE USED ONLY TO : 5
264248
265- (2) GRANTS TO RESTAURANTS AND SEAFOOD PROCESSO RS AND
266-DEALERS SHALL BE PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING AMO UNTS:
249+ (I) PROVIDE LOANS UNDER THIS SECTION; AND 6
267250
268- (I) $100 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 25 BUT LESS THAN
269-50 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR;
251+ (II) PAY THE COSTS NECESSARY TO ADMINIS TER AND OPERATE 7
252+THIS SECTION. 8
270253
271- (II) $250 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 50 BUT LESS THAN
272-100 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR;
254+Article – Natural Resources 9
273255
274- (III) $500 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 100 BUT LESS THAN
275-250 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR;
256+[4–1019.1. 10
276257
277- (IV) $1,000 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 250 BUT LESS
278-THAN 500 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR;
279- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 30
258+ The Department shall initiate the development of a program for enactment by the 11
259+Maryland General Assembly to encourage return of the State’s oyster shell resource to the 12
260+tidal waters of the State to assist oyster propagation. The Department also may use the 13
261+Fisheries Research and Development Fund to purchase oyster shell.] 14
280262
281-– 7 –
282- (V) $1,500 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 500 BUT LESS
283-THAN 1,000 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; AND
263+4–1019.1. 15
284264
285- (VI) $2,000 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 1,000 BUSHELS
286-OF OYSTER SHELLS IN A YEAR AT A RATE OF $5 PER BUSHEL UP TO A M AXIMUM OF
287-$2,000 PER YEAR.
265+ (A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE ANNUAL GRANTS TO NONPROFIT 16
266+ORGANIZATIONS , COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS , RESTAURANTS , AND SEAFOOD 17
267+PROCESSORS AND DEALERS THAT RECYCLE OYSTER SHELLS BY PROVIDING THE 18
268+SHELL TO AN AUTHORIZ ED SHELL RECYCLING C OLLECTOR CERTIFIED B Y THE 19
269+DEPARTMENT . 20
288270
289- (C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE, AT NO COST, RECEPTACLES FOR
290-THE COLLECTION OF OY STER SHELLS TO RESTA URANTS THAT AGREE TO RECYCLE
291-AT LEAST 25 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS PER YEAR.
271+ (B) (1) GRANTS TO NONPROFIT O RGANIZATIONS AND COM MUNITY 21
272+ASSOCIATIONS SHALL BE PROVID ED IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS: 22
292273
293- (D) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS TO CAR RY OUT
294-THE PROVISIONS OF T HIS SECTION.
274+ (I) $100 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 5 BUT LESS THAN 20 23
275+BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; AND 24
295276
296- (2) THE REGULATIONS SHALL ESTABLISH ELIGIBILIT Y CRITERIA AND
297-PROVIDE FOR THE CERT IFICATION OF NONPROF IT ORGANIZATIONS , COMMUNITY
298-ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS , AND SEAFOOD PROCESSO RS AND DEALERS TO
299-VERIFY THE AMOUNT OF OYSTER SHELLS RECYCL ED BY EACH ENTITY.
277+ (II) $250 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 20 BUSHELS OF 25
278+OYSTER SHELLS IN A Y EAR. 26
300279
301- (3) THE DEPARTMENT MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH
302-NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ONS WITH EXPERTISE I N OYSTER SHELL RECYC LING TO
303-EXECUTE THE PROVISIO NS OF THIS SECTION .
280+ (2) GRANTS TO RESTA URANTS AND SEAFOOD P ROCESSORS AND 27
281+DEALERS SHALL BE PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING AMO UNTS: 28
304282
305-4–1019.2.
283+ (I) $100 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 25 BUT LESS THAN 29
284+50 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; 30
285+ HOUSE BILL 1228 7
306286
307- (G) THE DEPARTMENT MAY USE TH E FISHERIES RESEARCH AND
308-DEVELOPMENT FUND TO PURCHASE OYST ER SHELLS.
309287
310-4–1102.
288+ (II) $250 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 50 BUT LESS THAN 1
289+100 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; 2
311290
312- (a) The Department may resurvey any submerged area of the State to determine
313-the position and extent of any natural oyster bar.
291+ (III) $500 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 100 BUT LESS THAN 3
292+250 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; 4
314293
315- (b) If, after conducting a survey in accordance with subsection (a) of this section,
316-the Department finds that any natural oyster bar is located incorrectly on existing charts
317-or that the existing charts do not reflect the actual condition of submerged lands, the
318-Department shall amend the existing charts or coordinates by regulation.
294+ (IV) $1,000 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 250 BUT LESS 5
295+THAN 500 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; 6
319296
320- (C) (1) BEGINNING IN FISCAL Y EAR 2024, THE MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL
321-SURVEY, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR
322-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, SHALL SURVEY SUBMERG ED AREAS OF THE STATE TO
323-MAP EXISTING AND POT ENTIAL OYSTER HABITA TS IN ACCORD ANCE WITH THE
324-PROVISIONS OF THIS S UBSECTION.
325- Ch. 30 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
297+ (V) $1,500 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 500 BUT LESS 7
298+THAN 1,000 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS IN A YEAR; AND 8
326299
327-– 8 –
328- (2) IN SELECTING SITES FO R SURVEYING UNDER TH IS SUBSECTION,
329-THE MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
330-CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SHALL:
300+ (VI) $2,000 FOR THE RECYCLING OF AT LEAST 1,000 BUSHELS 9
301+OF OYSTER SHELLS IN A YEAR AT A RATE OF $5 PER BUSHEL UP TO A M AXIMUM OF 10
302+$2,000 PER YEAR. 11
331303
332- (I) PRIORITIZE PRIORITIZE:
304+ (C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE, AT NO COST, RECEPTACLES FOR 12
305+THE COLLECTION OF OY STER SHELLS TO RESTA URANTS THAT AGREE TO RECYCLE 13
306+AT LEAST 25 BUSHELS OF OYSTER SH ELLS PER YEAR. 14
333307
334- 1. (I) EASTERN BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARI ES; AND
308+ (D) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS TO CAR RY OUT 15
309+THE PROVISIONS OF T HIS SECTION. 16
335310
336- 2. (II) PUBLIC FISHERY AREAS WHERE THERE ARE LIKE LY
337-TO BE SHALLOWLY BURI ED SHELL DEPOSITS FR OM PREVIOUS REPLETIO N
338-ACTIVITIES, IDENTIFIED IN CONSUL TATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT , WHO SHALL
339-CONSULT WITH COUNTY OYSTER COM MITTEES, AND COMMERCIAL OYSTER
340-HARVESTERS ; AND
311+ (2) THE REGULATIONS SHALL ESTABLISH ELIGIBILIT Y CRITERIA AND 17
312+PROVIDE FOR THE CERT IFICATION OF NONPROF IT ORGANIZATIONS , COMMUNITY 18
313+ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS , AND SEAFOOD PROCESSO RS AND DEALERS TO 19
314+VERIFY THE AMOUNT OF OYSTER SHELLS RECYCL ED BY EACH ENTITY. 20
341315
342- (II) AVOID IMPORTANT FISH SPAWNING AREAS , ESPECIALLY
343-AREAS WHERE STRIPED BASS OR STURGEON ARE KNOWN TO SPAWN .
316+ (3) THE DEPARTMENT MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH 21
317+NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ONS WITH EXPERTISE I N OYSTER SHELL RECYC LING TO 22
318+EXECUTE THE PROVISIO NS OF THIS SECTION . 23
344319
345- (3) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, SURVEYS CARRIED OUT UNDER
346-THIS SUBSECTION SHAL L USE SUB–BOTTOM PROFILING COM BINED WITH PHYSICAL
347-SAMPLING TO QUANTIFY THE TOTAL VOLUME OF SUBSURFACE SHELL MAT ERIAL.
320+4–1019.2. 24
348321
349- (4) (I) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024 THROUGH 2026, THE GOVERNOR
350-SHALL INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $2,000,000
351-TO THE DEPARTMENT TO FUND THE SURVEYS REQUIRED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
322+ (G) THE DEPARTMENT MAY USE TH E FISHERIES RESEARCH AND 25
323+DEVELOPMENT FUND TO PURCHASE OYST ER SHELLS. 26
352324
353- (II) THE GOVERNOR SHALL PRIORI TIZE THE USE OF FEDE RAL
354-FUNDS FOR APPROPRIAT IONS REQUIRED UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH .
325+4–1102. 27
355326
356- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
327+ (a) The Department may resurvey any submerged area of the State to determine 28
328+the position and extent of any natural oyster bar. 29
357329
358- (a) The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science shall
359-collaborate with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Virginia Institute
360-of Marine Science, appropriate State and federal agencies, and industry and other
361-stakeholders to research evaluate:
330+ (b) If, after conducting a survey in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, 30
331+the Department finds that any natural oyster bar is located incorrectly on existing charts 31 8 HOUSE BILL 1228
362332
363- (1) the types of substrate, including fresh shell, fossilized shell,
364-combinations of shell, and alternative substrates, that are most appropriate for use in
365-oyster harvest areas;
366333
367- (2) the benefits, including habitat–related benefits, of using larger stones
368-versus smaller stones of various sizes in oyster restoration areas;
334+or that the existing charts do not reflect the actual condition of submerged lands, the 1
335+Department shall amend the existing charts or coordinates by regulation. 2
369336
370- (3) alternative substrates used for oyster restoration or repletion in other
371-regions, including the success of efforts to use alternative substrates; and LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 30
337+ (C) (1) BEGINNING IN FISCAL Y EAR 2024, THE MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL 3
338+SURVEY, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR 4
339+ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, SHALL SURVEY SUBMERG ED AREAS OF THE STATE TO 5
340+MAP EXISTING AND POT ENTIAL OYSTER HABITA TS IN ACCORDANCE W ITH THE 6
341+PROVISIONS OF THIS S UBSECTION. 7
372342
373-– 9 –
343+ (2) IN SELECTING SITES FO R SURVEYING UNDER TH IS SUBSECTION, 8
344+THE MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 9
345+CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SHALL: 10
374346
375- (4) the potential for retrofitting existing structures, such as riprap
376-revetments, that are unrelated to oyster restoration but that use materials similar to
377-artificial reefs, to include oyster plantings; and
347+ (I) PRIORITIZE PRIORITIZE: 11
378348
379- (5) the effect of spat size upon deployment on oyster abundance.
349+ 1. (I) EASTERN BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARI ES; AND 12
380350
381- (b) On or before December 1, 2025, the University of Maryland Center for
382-Environmental Science shall report to the Secretary of Natural Resources and, in
383-accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on its
384-research findings evaluations under this section.
351+ 2. (II) PUBLIC FISHERY AREAS WHERE THERE ARE LIKE LY 13
352+TO BE SHALLOWLY BURI ED SHELL DEPOSITS FR OM PREVIOUS REPLETIO N 14
353+ACTIVITIES, IDENTIFIED IN CONSUL TATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT , WHO SHALL 15
354+CONSULT WITH COUNTY OYSTER COMMITTEES , AND COMMERCIAL OYSTER 16
355+HARVESTERS ; AND 17
385356
386- (c) For fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the Governor shall include in the annual
387-budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 for the University of Maryland Center for
388-Environmental Science to carry out the research required under this section.
357+ (II) AVOID IMPORTANT FISH SPAWNING AREAS , ESPECIALLY 18
358+AREAS WHERE STRIPED BASS OR STURGEON ARE KNOWN TO SPAWN . 19
389359
390- (d) The evaluations undertaken in accordance with this section shall be conducted
391-in a manner that is not disruptive to the public oyster fishery, aquaculture, or restoration.
360+ (3) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, SURVEYS CARRIED OUT UNDER 20
361+THIS SUBSECTION SHAL L USE SUB–BOTTOM PROFILING COMBINED W ITH PHYSICAL 21
362+SAMPLING TO QUANTIFY THE TOTAL VOLUME OF SUBSURFACE SHELL MAT ERIAL. 22
392363
393- SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
364+ (4) (I) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024 THROUGH 2026, THE GOVERNOR 23
365+SHALL INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $2,000,000 24
366+TO THE DEPARTMENT TO FUND THE SURVEYS REQUIR ED UNDER THIS SUBSEC TION. 25
394367
395- (a) On or before December 1, 2023, the Department of Natural Resources shall
396-submit a plan to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government
397-Article, the General Assembly describing the substrate needs for oyster restoration and
398-repletion, aquaculture, and restoration activities in the State over the next 10 years.
368+ (II) THE GOVERNOR SHALL PRIORI TIZE THE USE OF FEDE RAL 26
369+FUNDS FOR APPROPRIAT IONS REQUIRED UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH . 27
399370
400- (b) The plan shall include:
371+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 28
401372
402- (1) an estimate of the quantity of the substrate materials that will be
403-needed and the purposes for which the substrate materials will be used;
373+ (a) The University of Maryland Center for Enviro nmental Science shall 29
374+collaborate with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Virginia Institute 30
375+of Marine Science, appropriate State and federal agencies, and industry and other 31
376+stakeholders to research evaluate: 32
377+ HOUSE BILL 1228 9
404378
405- (2) an overview of the full spectrum of substrate materials available;
406379
407- (3) an analysis of the availability, sourcing, and relative cost of each
408-substrate material;
380+ (1) the types of substrate, including fresh shell, fossilized shell, 1
381+combinations of shell, and alternative substrates, that are most appropriate for use in 2
382+oyster harvest areas; 3
409383
410- (4) an estimate of the total and annual costs of implementing the plan; and
384+ (2) the benefits, including habitat–related benefits, of using larger stones 4
385+versus smaller stones of various sizes in oyster restoration areas; 5
411386
412- (5) opportunities for improving the cost–effectiveness of substrate
413-acquisition and use, including opportunities for increasing coordination with the
414-Commonwealth of Virginia, undertaking larger–scale projects to take advantage of
415-economies of scale, and reducing mobilization and demobilization costs.
387+ (3) alternative substrates used for oyster restoration or repletion in other 6
388+regions, including the success of efforts to use alternative substrates; and 7
416389
417- SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
418- Ch. 30 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
390+ (4) the potential for retrofitting existing structures, such as riprap 8
391+revetments, that are unrelated to oyster restoration but that use materials similar to 9
392+artificial reefs, to include oyster plantings; and 10
419393
420-– 10 –
421- (a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that by 2025, oyster hatcheries in the
422-State shall be capable of consistently producing 5 billion larvae or spat–on–shell spat per
423-year.
394+ (5) the effect of spat size upon deployment on oyster abundance. 11
424395
425- (b) To help reach the goal established under subsection (a) of this section, for
426-fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or capital budget:
396+ (b) On or before December 1, 2025, the University of Maryland Center for 12
397+Environmental Science shall report to the Secretary of Natural Resources and, in 13
398+accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on its 14
399+research findings evaluations under this section. 15
427400
428- (1) an appropriation of $20,000,000 for the University of Maryland Center
429-for Environmental Science to build a second oyster hatchery, to be named after Michael E.
430-Busch, former Speaker of the House of Delegates; and
401+ (c) For fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the Governor shall include in the annual 16
402+budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 for the University of Maryland Center for 17
403+Environmental Science to carry out the research required under this section. 18
431404
432- (2) an appropriation of $2,500,000 for the Patuxent Environmental and
433-Aquatic Research Laboratory, Morgan State University, to be used for infrastructure
434-upgrades to support increased oyster production for research and restoration.
405+ (d) The evaluations undertaken in accordance with this section shall be conducted 19
406+in a manner that is not disruptive to the public oyster fishery, aquaculture, or restoration. 20
435407
436- SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
408+ SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 21
437409
438- (a) (1) In recognition of the final report, dated December 1, 2021, of the Oyster
439-Advisory Commission’s consensus recommendations, over the next 25 years, a combination
440-of replenishment, restoration, and aquaculture activities should be collectively planned and
441-undertaken in Eastern Bay, with an equal amount of funding for spat planting in
442-sanctuaries ($1,000,000 annually adjusted for inflation) and for spat and shell planting on
443-fishery bars ($1,000,000 annually adjusted for inflation) in addition to current
444-replenishment and restoration activities.
410+ (a) On or before December 1, 2023, the Department of Natural Resources shall 22
411+submit a plan to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government 23
412+Article, the General Assembly describing the substrate needs for oyster restoration and 24
413+repletion, aquaculture, and restoration activities in the State over the next 10 years. 25
445414
446- (2) The effectiveness of the activities under paragraph (1) of this subsection
447-shall be evaluated every 5 years.
415+ (b) The plan shall include: 26
448416
449- (b) To help reach the goals established under subsection (a) of this section, for
450-fiscal years 2024 through 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or
451-capital budget an appropriation of $2,000,000 for the Department of Natural Resources.
417+ (1) an estimate of the quantity of the substrate materials that will be 27
418+needed and the purposes for which the substrate materials will be used; 28
452419
453- (c) Any funding provided in the operating or capital budgets in accordance with
454-subsection (b) of this section after fiscal year 2026 shall be contingent upon the evaluation
455-provided for in subsection (a)(2) of this section.
420+ (2) an overview of the full spectrum of substrate materials available; 29
456421
457- SECTION 6. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 1 of this Act shall
458-take effect July 1, 2023, and shall be applicable to all taxable years beginning after
459-December 31, 2021 2022.
422+ (3) an analysis of the availability, sourcing, and relative cost of each 30
423+substrate material; 31
460424
461- SECTION 7. 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That , except as provided in
462-Section 7 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2022.
425+ (4) an estimate of the total and annual costs of implementing the plan; and 32
426+ 10 HOUSE BILL 1228
463427
464-Enacted under Article II, § 17(b) of the Maryland Constitution, April 9, 2022.
428+
429+ (5) opportunities for improving the cost–effectiveness of substrate 1
430+acquisition and use, including opportunities for increasing coordination with the 2
431+Commonwealth of Virginia, undertaking larger–scale projects to take advantage of 3
432+economies of scale, and reducing mobilization and demobilization costs. 4
433+
434+ SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 5
435+
436+ (a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that by 2025, oyster hatcheries in the 6
437+State shall be capable of consistently producing 5 billion larvae or spat–on–shell spat per 7
438+year. 8
439+
440+ (b) To help reach the goal established under subsection (a) of this section, for 9
441+fiscal year 2024, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or capital budget: 10
442+
443+ (1) an appropriation of $20,000,000 for the University of Maryland Center 11
444+for Environmental Science to build a second oyster hatchery, to be named after Michael E. 12
445+Busch, former Speaker of the House of Delegates; and 13
446+
447+ (2) an appropriation of $2,500,000 for the Patuxent Environmental and 14
448+Aquatic Research Laboratory, Morgan State University, to be used for infrastructure 15
449+upgrades to support increased oyster production for research and restoration. 16
450+
451+ SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURT HER ENACTED, That: 17
452+
453+ (a) (1) In recognition of the final report, dated December 1, 2021, of the Oyster 18
454+Advisory Commission’s consensus recommendations, over the next 25 years, a combination 19
455+of replenishment, restoration, and aquaculture activities should be collectively planned and 20
456+undertaken in Eastern Bay, with an equal amount of funding for spat planting in 21
457+sanctuaries ($1,000,000 annually adjusted for inflation) and for spat and shell planting on 22
458+fishery bars ($1,000,000 annually adjusted for inflation) in addition to current 23
459+replenishment and restoration activities. 24
460+
461+ (2) The effectiveness of the activities under paragraph (1) of this subsection 25
462+shall be evaluated every 5 years. 26
463+
464+ (b) To help reach the goals established under subsection (a) of this section, for 27
465+fiscal years 2024 through 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or 28
466+capital budget an appropriation of $2,000,000 for the Department of Natural Resources. 29
467+
468+ (c) Any funding provided in the operating or capital budgets in accordance with 30
469+subsection (b) of this section after fiscal year 2026 shall be contingent upon the evaluation 31
470+provided for in subsection (a)(2) of this section. 32
471+
472+ SECTION 6. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 1 of this Act shall 33
473+take effect July 1, 2023, and shall be applicable to all taxable years beginning after 34
474+December 31, 2021 2022. 35
475+ HOUSE BILL 1228 11
476+
477+
478+ SECTION 7. 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That , except as provided in 1
479+Section 7 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2022. 2
480+
481+
482+
483+
484+
485+Approved:
486+________________________________________________________________________________
487+ Governor.
488+________________________________________________________________________________
489+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.
490+________________________________________________________________________________
491+ President of the Senate.