Maryland Senate Bill SB1048

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24

Caption

Environment – Tidal Wetland Permit – Ownership of Land

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would provide riparian landowners significant rights pertaining to land use, potentially increasing their engagement in shoreline stabilization efforts. This could lead to improvements in local ecosystems as landowners work to create living shorelines that bolster environmental resilience against storms and erosion. The bill signifies a shift towards more supportive legal structures for private landowners when they undertake projects that benefit both their property and the broader environment.

Summary

Senate Bill 1048 focuses on the management of tidal wetlands in Maryland by establishing a mechanism for the transfer of land ownership to riparian landowners who obtain a permit for creating a living shoreline or other shoreline stabilization measures. This bill aims to clarify the rights of landowners regarding land situated landward of mean high tide, specifically addressing the interests that come with a tidal wetland permit. By transferring land ownership in fee simple up to the stabilized portion, the bill encourages environmentally sustainable coastal management practices.

Contention

Debate around SB 1048 may arise from concerns regarding the implications of transferring land ownership and its potential effects on public access to waterfronts. Proponents argue that empowering landowners to stabilize shorelines may directly benefit environmental conservation efforts. Conversely, critics could express apprehension that increased privatization of tidal lands might limit public recreational access and alter the ecological balance in coastal areas, highlighting the delicate balance between property rights and environmental stewardship.