MD
Maryland House Bill HB262

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB262 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 43
5-(House Bill 262)
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+ *hb0262*
89
9-Department of Agriculture – Maryland Agricultural Commission and Young
10-Farmers
10+HOUSE BILL 262
11+M4 5lr0012
12+ (PRE–FILED) CF SB 240
13+By: Chair, Environment and Transportation Committee (By Request –
14+Departmental – Agriculture) and Delegate Holmes
15+Requested: September 28, 2024
16+Introduced and read first time: January 8, 2025
17+Assigned to: Environment and Transportation
18+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
19+House action: Adopted
20+Read second time: February 18, 2025
1121
12-FOR the purpose of altering the membership of the Maryland Agricultural Commission;
13-establishing the Committee on Young Farmers for certain purposes, including to
14-communicate to the Maryland Agricultural Commission on certain matters relating
15-to young farmers in the State; repealing the provisions of law establishing and
16-governing the Young Farmers Advisory Board; and generally relating to the
17-Maryland Agricultural Commission and young farmers in the State.
22+CHAPTER ______
1823
19-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
20- Article – Agriculture
21- Section 2–201, 2–202, and 2–203(a) and (c), and 2–503(a)(1)(ii)
22- Annotated Code of Maryland
23- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
24+AN ACT concerning 1
2425
25-BY adding to
26- Article – Agriculture
27- Section 2–206
28- Annotated Code of Maryland
29- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
26+Department of Agriculture – Maryland Agricultural Commission and Young 2
27+Farmers 3
3028
31-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
32- Article – Agriculture
33- Section 2–503(a)(1)(iii)
34- Annotated Code of Maryland
35- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
29+FOR the purpose of altering the membership of the Maryland Agricultural Commission; 4
30+establishing the Committee on Young Farmers for certain purposes, including to 5
31+communicate to the Maryland Agricultural Commission on certain matters relating 6
32+to young farmers in the State; repealing the provisions of law establishing and 7
33+governing the Young Farmers Advisory Board; and generally relating to the 8
34+Maryland Agricultural Commission and young farmers in the State. 9
3635
37-BY repealing
38- Article – Agriculture
39- Section 2–1001 through 2–1005 and the subtitle “Subtitle 10. Young Farmers
40- Advisory Board”
41- Annotated Code of Maryland
42- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
36+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 10
37+ Article – Agriculture 11
38+ Section 2–201, 2–202, and 2–203(a) and (c), and 2–503(a)(1)(ii) 12
39+ Annotated Code of Maryland 13
40+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 14
4341
44- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
45-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
42+BY adding to 15
43+ Article – Agriculture 16
44+ Section 2–206 17
45+ Annotated Code of Maryland 18
46+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 19
4647
47-Article – Agriculture
48+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 20 2 HOUSE BILL 262
4849
49-2–201. Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
5050
51-– 2 –
51+ Article – Agriculture 1
52+ Section 2–503(a)(1)(iii) 2
53+ Annotated Code of Maryland 3
54+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 4
5255
53- (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE , “COMMISSION” MEANS THE MARYLAND
54-AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 2–202 OF THIS SUBTITLE.
56+BY repealing 5
57+ Article – Agriculture 6
58+ Section 2–1001 through 2–1005 and the subtitle “Subtitle 10. Young Farmers 7
59+ Advisory Board” 8
60+ Annotated Code of Maryland 9
61+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 10
5562
56- (B) It is the intent of the General Assembly in the enactment of this subtitle to
57-provide for a broadened representation in policy determinations with regard to agricultural
58-matters in the State.
63+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 11
64+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 12
5965
60-2–202.
66+Article – Agriculture 13
6167
62- (A) There is a Maryland Agricultural Commission in the Department.
68+2–201. 14
6369
64- (B) [It] THE COMMISSION shall formulate and make proposals for the
65-advancement of Maryland agriculture by serving as an advisory body to the Secretary on
66-matters pertaining to agriculture.
70+ (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE , “COMMISSION” MEANS THE MARYLAND 15
71+AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 2–202 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 16
6772
68-2–203.
73+ (B) It is the intent of the General Assembly in the enactment of this subtitle to 17
74+provide for a broadened representation in policy determinations with regard to agricultural 18
75+matters in the State. 19
6976
70- (a) The Commission [has 31 members.] CONSISTS OF:
77+2–202. 20
7178
72- (1) One member WHO is ex officio and is the principal administrative
73-official for agricultural affairs at the University System of Maryland as designated by the
74-Chancellor of the University[.]; AND
79+ (A) There is a Maryland Agricultural Commission in the Department. 21
7580
76- (2) The [Governor appoints the remaining 30 members as follows ]
77-FOLLOWING MEMBERS AP POINTED BY THE GOVERNOR:
81+ (B) [It] THE COMMISSION shall formulate and make proposals for the 22
82+advancement of Maryland agriculture by serving as an advisory body to the Secretary on 23
83+matters pertaining to agriculture. 24
7884
79- [(1)] (I) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE
80-REPRESENTATIVE OF the dairy industry;
85+2–203. 25
8186
82- [(2)] (II) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE
83-REPRESENTATIVE OF the poultry industry;
87+ (a) The Commission [has 31 members.] CONSISTS OF: 26
8488
85- [(3)] (III) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
86-REPRESENTATIVE OF the livestock industry;
89+ (1) One member WHO is ex officio and is the principal administrative 27
90+official for agricultural affairs at the University System of Maryland as designated by the 28
91+Chancellor of the University[.]; AND 29
8792
88- [(4) One from a list of at least two nominees representing the tobacco
89-industry;]
93+ (2) The [Governor appoints the remaining 30 members as follows ] 30
94+FOLLOWING MEMBERS AP POINTED BY THE GOVERNOR: 31
95+ HOUSE BILL 262 3
9096
91- [(5)] (IV) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE
92-REPRESENTATIVE OF the [nursery] NURSERY, LANDSCAPE, AND GREENHOUSE
93-industry;
94- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
9597
96-– 3 –
97- [(6)] (V) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
98-REPRESENTATIVE OF the [horticulture] FRUIT industry;
98+ [(1)] (I) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE 1
99+REPRESENTATIVE OF the dairy industry; 2
99100
100- [(7)] (VI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
101-REPRESENTATIVE OF the field crops industry;
101+ [(2)] (II) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE 3
102+REPRESENTATIVE OF the poultry industry; 4
102103
103- [(8)] (VII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
104-REPRESENTATIVE OF the vegetable industry;
104+ [(3)] (III) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 5
105+REPRESENTATIVE OF the livestock industry; 6
105106
106- [(9)] (VIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
107-REPRESENTATIVE OF the veterinary profession;
107+ [(4) One from a list of at least two nominees representing the tobacco 7
108+industry;] 8
108109
109- [(10)] (IX) One [from a list of at least two nominees] REPRESENTATIVE of
110-the Maryland State Grange;
110+ [(5)] (IV) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE 9
111+REPRESENTATIVE OF the [nursery] NURSERY, LANDSCAPE, AND GREENHOUSE 10
112+industry; 11
111113
112- [(11)] (X) One [from a list of at least two nominees] REPRESENTATIVE of
113-the Maryland Farm Bureau;
114+ [(6)] (V) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 12
115+REPRESENTATIVE OF the [horticulture] FRUIT industry; 13
114116
115- [(12)] (XI) [Two without nomination appointed at large from ] ONE
116-REPRESENTATIVE OF services related to agriculture;
117+ [(7)] (VI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 14
118+REPRESENTATIVE OF the field crops industry; 15
117119
118- [(13)] (XII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
119-REPRESENTATIVE OF the turf industry;
120+ [(8)] (VII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 16
121+REPRESENTATIVE OF the vegetable industry; 17
120122
121- [(14)] (XIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing the
122-horse–breeding] REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E EQUINE industry;
123+ [(9)] (VIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 18
124+REPRESENTATIVE OF the veterinary profession; 19
123125
124- [(15)] (XIV) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
125-REPRESENTATIVE OF the food processing industry;
126+ [(10)] (IX) One [from a list of at least two nominees] REPRESENTATIVE of 20
127+the Maryland State Grange; 21
126128
127- [(16)] (XV) One [without nomination appointed at large from ]
128-REPRESENTATIVE OF the general public to be the consumer member;
129+ [(11)] (X) One [from a list of at least two nominees] REPRESENTATIVE of 22
130+the Maryland Farm Bureau; 23
129131
130- [(17)] (XVI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
131-REPRESENTATIVE OF the organic farming industry;
132+ [(12)] (XI) [Two without nomination appointed at large from ] ONE 24
133+REPRESENTATIVE OF services related to agriculture; 25
132134
133- [(18)] (XVII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
134-REPRESENTATIVE OF direct farm marketing;
135+ [(13)] (XII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 26
136+REPRESENTATIVE OF the turf industry; 27
135137
136- [(19)] (XVIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
137-REPRESENTATIVE OF viticulture;
138+ [(14)] (XIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing the 28
139+horse–breeding] REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E EQUINE industry; 29
138140
139- [(20)] (XIX) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
140-REPRESENTATIVE OF agriculture education in primary or secondary schools; Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
141+ [(15)] (XIV) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 30
142+REPRESENTATIVE OF the food processing industry; 31 4 HOUSE BILL 262
141143
142-– 4 –
143144
144- [(21)] (XX) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
145-REPRESENTATIVE OF agri–business;
146145
147- [(22)] (XXI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
148-REPRESENTATIVE OF the forestry industry;
146+ [(16)] (XV) One [without nomination appointed at large from ] 1
147+REPRESENTATIVE OF the general public to be the consumer member; 2
149148
150- [(23)] (XXII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
151-REPRESENTATIVE OF the aquaculture industry;
149+ [(17)] (XVI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 3
150+REPRESENTATIVE OF the organic farming industry; 4
152151
153- [(24)] (XXIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing
154-agri–tourism] REPRESENTATIVE OF VA LUE–ADDED AGRICULTURE AN D
155-AGRITOUR ISM;
152+ [(18)] (XVII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 5
153+REPRESENTATIVE OF direct farm marketing; 6
156154
157- [(25)] (XXIV) One [from a list of two nominees representing ]
158-REPRESENTATIVE OF the biofuel industry; [and]
155+ [(19)] (XVIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 7
156+REPRESENTATIVE OF viticulture; 8
159157
160- [(26)] (XXV) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
161-REPRESENTATIVE OF the hemp industry;
158+ [(20)] (XIX) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 9
159+REPRESENTATIVE OF agriculture education in primary or secondary schools; 10
162160
163- (XXVI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTROLLED
164-ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICU LTURE INDUSTRY ;
161+ [(21)] (XX) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 11
162+REPRESENTATIVE OF agri–business; 12
165163
166- (XXVII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF SOCIALLY
167-DISADVANTAGED FARMER S;
164+ [(22)] (XXI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 13
165+REPRESENTATIVE OF the forestry industry; 14
168166
169- (XXVIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF VETERAN FARMERS ;
167+ [(23)] (XXII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 15
168+REPRESENTATIVE OF the aquaculture industry; 16
170169
171- (XXIX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE ON
172-YOUNG FARMERS;
170+ [(24)] (XXIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing 17
171+agri–tourism] REPRESENTATIVE OF VA LUE–ADDED AGRICULTURE AN D 18
172+AGRITOURISM ; 19
173173
174- (XXX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF URBAN AND SMALL FARM ERS;
175-AND
174+ [(25)] (XXIV) One [from a list of two nominees representing ] 20
175+REPRESENTATIVE OF the biofuel industry; [and] 21
176176
177- (XXXI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF NEW AND BEGINNING
178-FARMERS.
177+ [(26)] (XXV) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing] 22
178+REPRESENTATIVE OF the hemp industry; 23
179179
180- (c) (1) The term of membership is 3 years.
180+ (XXVI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTROLLED 24
181+ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICU LTURE INDUSTRY ; 25
181182
182- (2) A person may not serve more than two consecutive terms. [Members of
183-the Commission appointed before January 1, 1973, may continue to serve until the
184-expiration of their terms. New appointments shall be made from nominees of the industry,
185-profession, or organization represented by the member whose term is expiring.]
186- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
183+ (XXVII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF SOCIALLY 26
184+DISADVANTAGED FARMER S; 27
187185
188-– 5 –
189-2–206.
186+ (XXVIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF VETERAN FARMERS ; 28
187+ HOUSE BILL 262 5
190188
191- (A) IN THIS SECTION, “COMMITTEE” MEANS THE COMMITTEE ON YOUNG
192-FARMERS.
193189
194- (B) THERE IS A COMMITTEE ON YOUNG FARMERS.
190+ (XXIX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE ON 1
191+YOUNG FARMERS; 2
195192
196- (C) (1) THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF 10 MEMBERS DESIGNATED B Y THE
197-SECRETARY IN CONSULTA TION WITH THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE
198-MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
193+ (XXX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF URBAN AND SMALL FARM ERS; 3
194+AND 4
199195
200- (2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS
201-PARAGRAPH , THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE MEMBERS OF THE
202-COMMITTEE ON AN ANNUA L BASIS.
196+ (XXXI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF NEW AND BEGINNING 5
197+FARMERS. 6
203198
204- (II) A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE THAT IS APP OINTED AS A
205-MEMBER OF THE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MAY CO NTINUE TO
206-SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE UNTIL THE E XPIRATION OF THEIR T ERM ON THE
207-MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
199+ (c) (1) The term of membership is 3 years. 7
208200
209- (D) (1) EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL :
201+ (2) A person may not serve more than two consecutive terms. [Members of 8
202+the Commission appointed before January 1, 1973, may continue to serve until the 9
203+expiration of their terms. New appointments shall be made from nominees of the industry, 10
204+profession, or organization represented by the member whose term is expiring.] 11
210205
211- (I) BE INTERESTED IN THE PRESERVATION AND
212-DEVELOPMENT OF MARYLAND AGRICULTURE ;
206+2–206. 12
213207
214- (II) DERIVE AT LEAST 50% OF THE MEMBER ’S PERSONAL
215-INCOME FROM FARMING OR AGRICULTURAL ACTI VITIES IN THE STATE;
208+ (A) IN THIS SECTION, “COMMITTEE” MEANS THE COMMITTEE ON YOUNG 13
209+FARMERS. 14
216210
217- (III) BE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE; AND
211+ (B) THERE IS A COMMITTEE ON YOUNG FARMERS. 15
218212
219- (IV) BE UNDER THE AGE OF 45 YEARS AT THE BEGINNI NG OF THE
220-MEMBER’S TERM.
213+ (C) (1) THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF 10 MEMBERS DESIGNATED B Y THE 16
214+SECRETARY IN CONSULTA TION WITH THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE 17
215+MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION. 18
221216
222- (2) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, THE ME MBERS OF THE
223-COMMITTEE SHALL REPRE SENT REGIONAL DIVERS ITY AND A VARIETY OF
224-INDUSTRIES.
217+ (2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS 19
218+PARAGRAPH , THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE M EMBERS OF THE 20
219+COMMITTEE ON AN ANNUA L BASIS. 21
225220
226- (E) THE COMMITTEE SHALL :
221+ (II) A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE THAT IS APP OINTED AS A 22
222+MEMBER OF THE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MAY CONTIN UE TO 23
223+SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE UNTIL THE E XPIRATION OF THEIR T ERM ON THE 24
224+MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION. 25
227225
228- (1) COMMUNICATE TO THE GE NERAL PUBLIC , STATE GOVERNMENT ,
229-AND THE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION THE IMPORT ANCE OF YOUNG
230-AND BEGINNING FAR MERS TO AGRICULTURE IN THE STATE;
231- Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
226+ (D) (1) EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL : 26
232227
233-– 6 –
234- (2) IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS ISSUES RELATING TO Y OUNG AND
235-BEGINNING FARMERS IN THE STATE AND MAKE RECOMM ENDATIONS TO THE
236-MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION; AND
228+ (I) BE INTERESTED IN THE PRESERVATION AND 27
229+DEVELOPMENT OF MARYLAND AGRICULTURE ; 28
237230
238- (3) HOLD MEETINGS AT LEAS T ONCE DURING EACH C ALENDAR
239-QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
231+ (II) DERIVE AT LEAST 50% OF THE MEMBER ’S PERSONAL 29
232+INCOME FROM FARMING OR AGRICULTURAL ACTI VITIES IN THE STATE; 30
240233
241- (F) A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE:
234+ (III) BE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE; AND 31 6 HOUSE BILL 262
242235
243- (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION; BUT
244236
245- (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE
246-STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
247237
248- (G) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE COMMITTEE.
238+ (IV) BE UNDER THE AGE OF 45 YEARS AT THE BEGINNI NG OF THE 1
239+MEMBER’S TERM. 2
249240
250-2–503.
241+ (2) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, THE MEMBERS OF THE 3
242+COMMITTEE SHALL REPRE SENT REGIONAL DIVERS ITY AND A VARIETY OF 4
243+INDUSTRIES. 5
251244
252- (a) (1) The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation shall be
253-governed and administered by a board of trustees composed of:
245+ (E) THE COMMITTEE SHALL : 6
254246
255- (ii) Nine members from the State at–large to be appointed by the
256-Governor, at least six of whom shall be farmer representatives who are engaged in or
257-retired from active farming from different areas of the State, and four of whom shall be
258-appointed as follows:
247+ (1) COMMUNICATE TO THE GE NERAL PUBLIC , STATE GOVERNMENT , 7
248+AND THE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION THE IMPORT ANCE OF YOUNG 8
249+AND BEGINNING FARMER S TO AGRICULTURE IN THE STATE; 9
259250
260- 1. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
261-Maryland Agricultural Commission;
251+ (2) IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS ISSUES RELATING TO Y OUNG AND 10
252+BEGINNING FARMERS IN THE STATE AND MAKE RECOMM ENDATIONS TO THE 11
253+MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION; AND 12
262254
263- 2. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
264-Maryland Farm Bureau;
255+ (3) HOLD MEETINGS AT LEAS T ONCE DURING EACH C ALENDAR 13
256+QUARTER OF THE YEAR . 14
265257
266- 3. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
267-Maryland State Grange; and
258+ (F) A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE: 15
268259
269- 4. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
270-COMMITTEE ON Young Farmers [Advisory Board]; and
260+ (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION; BUT 16
271261
272- (iii) Any designee appointed by an ex officio member under
273-paragraph (3) of this subsection.
262+ (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBURS EMENT FOR EXPENSES U NDER THE 17
263+STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 18
274264
275-[Subtitle 10. Young Farmers Advisory Board.]
265+ (G) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE COMMITTEE. 19
276266
277-[2–1001.
278- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
267+2–503. 20
279268
280-– 7 –
281- There is a Young Farmers Advisory Board in the Department.]
269+ (a) (1) The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation shall be 21
270+governed and administered by a board of trustees composed of: 22
282271
283-[2–1002.
272+ (ii) Nine members from the State at–large to be appointed by the 23
273+Governor, at least six of whom shall be farmer representatives who are engaged in or 24
274+retired from active farming from different areas of the State, and four of whom shall be 25
275+appointed as follows: 26
284276
285- (a) The Young Farmers Advisory Board shall consist of 20 members appointed by
286-the Governor.
277+ 1. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the 27
278+Maryland Agricultural Commission; 28
287279
288- (b) Of the 20 members:
280+ 2. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the 29
281+Maryland Farm Bureau; 30 HOUSE BILL 262 7
289282
290- (1) 1 shall be from the Department of Agriculture;
291283
292- (2) 1 shall be from the Department of Economic Competitiveness and
293-Commerce;
294284
295- (3) 1 shall be from the Forestry Program within the Department of Natural
296-Resources;
285+ 3. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the 1
286+Maryland State Grange; and 2
297287
298- (4) 1 shall be an officer of the Maryland FFA Association;
288+ 4. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the 3
289+COMMITTEE ON Young Farmers [Advisory Board]; and 4
299290
300- (5) 1 shall be an urban farmer;
291+ (iii) Any designee appointed by an ex officio member under 5
292+paragraph (3) of this subsection. 6
301293
302- (6) 1 shall be from the Maryland Farm Bureau; and
294+[Subtitle 10. Young Farmers Advisory Board.] 7
303295
304- (7) 14 shall be appointed from the general public.
296+[2–1001. 8
305297
306- (c) To the extent practicable, the Governor shall attempt to ensure regional
307-diversity among the members of the Advisory Board appointed from the general public.
298+ There is a Young Farmers Advisory Board in the Department.] 9
308299
309- (d) Each member from the general public shall:
300+[2–1002. 10
310301
311- (1) Be interested in the preservation and development of agriculture and
312-preservation of the agricultural way of life in Maryland;
302+ (a) The Young Farmers Advisory Board shall consist of 20 members appointed by 11
303+the Governor. 12
313304
314- (2) Be under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the member’s term;
305+ (b) Of the 20 members: 13
315306
316- (3) Derive at least 50% of the member’s personal income from farming or
317-agricultural activities in the State; and
307+ (1) 1 shall be from the Department of Agriculture; 14
318308
319- (4) Be a resident of the State.
309+ (2) 1 shall be from the Department of Economic Competitiveness and 15
310+Commerce; 16
320311
321- (e) (1) Except for the initial terms of the Advisory Board, the term of a member
322-shall be 3 years.
312+ (3) 1 shall be from the Forestry Program within the Department of Natural 17
313+Resources; 18
323314
324- (2) (i) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms
325-provided for members of the Advisory Board on October 1, 2004.
326- Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
315+ (4) 1 shall be an officer of the Maryland FFA Association; 19
327316
328-– 8 –
329- (ii) The terms of the initial members shall be staggered evenly
330-between 2 years and 3 years as the Advisory Board shall determine at the Board’s first
331-meeting.]
317+ (5) 1 shall be an urban farmer; 20
332318
333-[2–1003.
319+ (6) 1 shall be from the Maryland Farm Bureau; and 21
334320
335- The Advisory Board shall:
321+ (7) 14 shall be appointed from the general public. 22
336322
337- (1) Annually elect from its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and
338-a secretary of the Advisory Board at the Advisory Board’s first meeting of the calendar year;
323+ (c) To the extent practicable, the Governor shall attempt to ensure regional 23
324+diversity among the members of the Advisory Board appointed from the general public. 24
339325
340- (2) Communicate to the general public, the federal government, the State
341-government, and Maryland Agricultural Commission the importance of young and
342-beginning farmers to agriculture in the State;
326+ (d) Each member from the general public shall: 25
343327
344- (3) Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in
345-the State and make recommendations to the Maryland Agricultural Commission;
328+ (1) Be interested in the preservation and development of agriculture and 26
329+preservation of the agricultural way of life in Maryland; 27
330+ 8 HOUSE BILL 262
346331
347- (4) Establish committees, as necessary, to develop projects relating to the
348-aspects of life for young and beginning farmers in the State;
349332
350- (5) Hold meetings at least once during each calendar quarter of the year;
351-and
333+ (2) Be under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the member’s term; 1
352334
353- (6) Adopt a mission statement and administrative procedures to
354-implement this subtitle.]
335+ (3) Derive at least 50% of the member’s personal income from farming or 2
336+agricultural activities in the State; and 3
355337
356-[2–1004.
338+ (4) Be a resident of the State. 4
357339
358- (a) A member of the Advisory Board:
340+ (e) (1) Except for the initial terms of the Advisory Board, the term of a member 5
341+shall be 3 years. 6
359342
360- (1) May not receive compensation; but
343+ (2) (i) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms 7
344+provided for members of the Advisory Board on October 1, 2004. 8
361345
362- (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State
363-Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
346+ (ii) The terms of the initial members shall be staggered evenly 9
347+between 2 years and 3 years as the Advisory Board shall determine at the Board’s first 10
348+meeting.] 11
364349
365- (b) The Department shall provide staff for the Advisory Board.]
350+[2–1003. 12
366351
367-[2–1005.
352+ The Advisory Board shall: 13
368353
369- The chairperson, or the chairperson’s designee, shall:
354+ (1) Annually elect from its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and 14
355+a secretary of the Advisory Board at the Advisory Board’s first meeting of the calendar year; 15
370356
371- (1) Attend meetings of the Maryland Agricultural Commission; and
357+ (2) Communicate to the general public, the federal government, the State 16
358+government, and Maryland Agricultural Commission the importance of yo ung and 17
359+beginning farmers to agriculture in the State; 18
372360
373- (2) Provide a quarterly report to the Maryland Agricultural Commission.] WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
361+ (3) Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in 19
362+the State and make recommendations to the Maryland Agricultural Commission; 20
374363
375-– 9 –
364+ (4) Establish committees, as necessary, to develop projects relating to the 21
365+aspects of life for young and beginning farmers in the State; 22
376366
377- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
378-October 1, 2025.
367+ (5) Hold meetings at least once during each calendar quarter of the year; 23
368+and 24
379369
380-Approved by the Governor, April 8, 2025.
370+ (6) Adopt a mission statement and administrative procedures to 25
371+implement this subtitle.] 26
372+
373+[2–1004. 27
374+
375+ (a) A member of the Advisory Board: 28
376+
377+ (1) May not receive compensation; but 29
378+ HOUSE BILL 262 9
379+
380+
381+ (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State 1
382+Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. 2
383+
384+ (b) The Department shall provide staff for the Advisory Board.] 3
385+
386+[2–1005. 4
387+
388+ The chairperson, or the chairperson’s designee, shall: 5
389+
390+ (1) Attend meetings of the Maryland Agricultural Commission; and 6
391+
392+ (2) Provide a quarterly report to the Maryland Agricultural Commission.] 7
393+
394+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 8
395+October 1, 2025. 9
396+
397+
398+
399+
400+Approved:
401+________________________________________________________________________________
402+ Governor.
403+________________________________________________________________________________
404+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.
405+________________________________________________________________________________
406+ President of the Senate.