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HB 1024

Agriculture - Catastrophic Damage Caused by Deer

2025 Regular Session

HB 1024 creates a framework compensating Maryland farmers for crop and property damage caused by deer, addressing agricultural losses while raising questions about funding and wildlife management approaches.

Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1024

Legislative bill overview

HB 1024 addresses financial losses to agricultural operations caused by deer damage. The bill establishes a mechanism—likely a compensation program or liability framework—to help farmers recover costs from crop destruction and property damage attributed to deer populations. This represents an attempt to balance agricultural interests with wildlife management in Maryland.

Why is this important

Deer overpopulation causes significant economic harm to farmers through crop destruction, estimated in the millions annually across many states. Without a formal remedy, individual farmers bear these costs alone, creating pressure for unregulated wildlife control and potential conflicts between agricultural and environmental communities. This bill seeks to create a structured response to a documented problem affecting rural livelihoods.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: Unclear who pays for compensation—taxpayers, hunting license revenue, or a dedicated fund—which determines the program's fiscal sustainability and political feasibility
  • Eligibility and proof requirements: Establishing what constitutes compensable deer damage versus normal agricultural losses, and how farmers document claims, could create disputes and administrative burden
  • Wildlife management philosophy: Environmental advocates may worry the program incentivizes culling rather than alternative solutions like fencing, habitat management, or hunting expansion
  • Scope limitations: The bill may face questions about coverage limits, geographic application, and whether it includes all agricultural operations or only certain crops/farm sizes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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