Maryland Senate Bill SB317

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/11/24

Caption

Oysters, Striped Bass, and Crabs - Commercial Authorizations - Suspensions and Revocations

Impact

The legislation aims to create a more balanced approach to fishing regulations, ensuring that punishments are proportionate to the offenses committed. Prior to any suspension or revocation, a hearing must be convened, allowing for due process and accountability within the administrative procedures. Affected individuals may appeal decisions if they feel they are aggrieved by the Department’s rulings. This is fundamentally designed to bolster the protection of rights for those operating in the commercial fishing industry while ensuring compliance with fishing laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 317 addresses the management and oversight of commercial fishing activities specifically concerning oysters, striped bass, and crabs in Maryland. The bill introduces significant changes to the existing framework governing the suspension and revocation of fishing authorizations. It mandates that the Department of Natural Resources can only revoke a fishing authorization if the individual is convicted of, or enters a no-contest plea to, specific crimes related to fishing violations. This is intended to safeguard the rights of fishery workers and provide them with a clearer path to retain their licenses.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the bill’s requirements for hearings before suspending or revoking authorizations. Critics argue that while the procedural protections are laudable, they could lead to bureaucratic delays and may hinder swift regulatory enforcement against egregious violators. Proponents maintain that the due process guarantees are essential to avoid wrongful penalties impacting livelihoods based on unproven allegations. The balance between protecting natural resources and supporting economic activity in the fishing sector is at the heart of the discussions surrounding SB317.