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Bill

SB 301

Natural Resources - Removal and Storage of Abandoned or Sunken Vessels - Funding

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Johnny Salling

Maryland bill establishes dedicated funding for removal and storage of abandoned and sunken vessels to prevent environmental contamination and navigation hazards in state waterways.

Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 301

Legislative bill overview

SB 301 establishes funding mechanisms for the removal and storage of abandoned or sunken vessels in Maryland waters. The bill allocates resources to address derelict watercraft that pose environmental, safety, and navigational hazards. It creates a dedicated funding stream to manage the cleanup and proper disposal or storage of these vessels.

Why is this important

Abandoned and sunken vessels create significant environmental contamination risks through fuel and hazardous material leaks, damage marine ecosystems, obstruct navigation channels, and pose safety hazards to boaters and coastal communities. Establishing dedicated funding ensures systematic removal rather than allowing these vessels to deteriorate and spread pollution. This addresses a long-standing infrastructure problem affecting Maryland's waterways and coastlines.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and amount – Unclear whether funding comes from general revenue, vessel registration fees, fuel taxes, or other mechanisms, affecting different stakeholders differently
  • Cost allocation responsibility – Questions about whether vessel owners should bear removal costs versus public funding, and enforcement of owner accountability
  • Prioritization criteria – Determining which abandoned vessels get removed first given limited resources, and potential inequities between wealthy versus economically disadvantaged waterfront communities

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

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