EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
*hb1299*
HOUSE BILL 1299
M2 5lr2369
HB 1256/16 – ENV CF 5lr3112
By: Delegates Hornberger and Ciliberti
Introduced and read first time: February 7, 2025
Assigned to: Environment and Transportation
A BILL ENTITLED
AN ACT concerning 1
Natural Resources – Western Maryland – Elk 2
FOR the purpose of requiring the Department of Natural Resources to study the biological 3
carrying capacity and cultural carrying capacity of elk in Western Maryland; 4
requiring the Department to report certain findings and recommendations to the 5
Governor and the General Assembly by a certain date; and generally relating to elk 6
in Western Maryland. 7
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 8
That: 9
(a) In this section, “Western Maryland” means Allegany County and Garrett 10
County. 11
(b) The Department of Natural Resources shall: 12
(1) study the biological carrying capacity and cultural carrying capacity of 13
elk in Western Maryland; and 14
(2) on or before October 1, 2026, report its findings and recommendations 15
to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the 16
General Assembly on whether elk should be reintroduced in Western Maryland. 17
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 18
October 1, 2025. 19