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HB 362

Natural Resources - Roadside Tree Removal Permit Notification Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Korman and 2 co-sponsors

Withdrawn bill would have required Maryland property owners to notify state before removing roadside trees, giving DNR oversight authority.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 362

Legislative bill overview

HB 362 would have required property owners to notify the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before removing trees from roadsides or rights-of-way. The bill aimed to give the state an opportunity to review and potentially object to roadside tree removals before they occur.

Why is this important

Roadside trees provide environmental benefits including stormwater management, air quality improvement, and wildlife habitat. Without notification requirements, property owners could remove these trees without any state oversight, potentially degrading the ecological value of Maryland's roadsides and rights-of-way.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights concerns: Requiring permits for tree removal on private property adjacent to roads could be seen as government overreach into landowner decisions
  • Administrative burden: The notification process could delay legitimate property maintenance or development projects on private land
  • Enforcement complexity: Determining which trees qualify as "roadside" and distinguishing intentional removals from natural tree loss could create implementation challenges
  • Rural vs. urban impact: The requirement might disproportionately affect rural landowners managing properties with extensive frontage

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

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