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SB 736

Scholarships and Financial Aid - As introduced, extends from March 1 to March 30, the date by which not-for-profit corporations and associations that administer an educational cooperative plan or scholarship plan must file a statement of financial condition with the commissioner of commerce and insurance. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

Establishes a Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund to reimburse crop losses from certain wildlife and fund projects reducing wildlife damage.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 736

SB 736 — Natural Resources: Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund (Maryland)

Status: Introduced Jan. 27, 2025; hearing scheduled Mar. 4, 2025 (Education, Energy, and the Environment). Effective date (as drafted): Oct. 1, 2025.

Purpose / Intent

Create a dedicated fund to (1) reimburse people for crop and agricultural product damage caused by deer, geese, and other wildlife (excluding black bears and domesticated animals) and (2) provide grants to projects that prevent wildlife damage. The General Assembly finds such reimbursement and prevention funding to be in the public interest.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund (a continuing, nonlapsing special fund) administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  • Fund sources:
    • Proceeds from a conservation deer stamp/decal (optional purchase; $5 each as listed in the bill),
    • Gifts, grants, contributions designated for the fund,
    • State budget appropriations. The Governor may include at least $50,000 annually in the budget.
  • Reimbursement program:
    • DNR may reimburse persons for verified damage to crops/agricultural products caused by deer, geese, or other wildlife.
    • Eligibility requirements:
    • Claimant followed DNR-recommended preventive measures,
    • Damage amount determined by a University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service (UME) extension agent,
    • DNR verification that wildlife caused the damage.
    • Payment limits (subject to available funding): minimum $200 and maximum $5,000 per person per year.
  • Grant program:
    • DNR accepts grant applications for projects that reduce wildlife attractants, have or plan local support, are cost‑effective and durable, or include matching funds.
    • Eligible applicants: local governments, park/recreation departments, landowners, farmers, businesses, tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits.
    • Grants cannot fund stand‑alone research/data collection or projects whose primary purpose is revenue/profit generation.
    • Grant awards must be capped so that at least 10% of the fund’s annual appropriation remains available each year for reimbursements.
  • Administrative actions: DNR must adopt implementing regulations.

Who is affected / likely impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries: farmers, growers, and other agricultural producers experiencing wildlife damage.
  • Eligible entities for prevention grants include local governments, nonprofits, tribes, universities, and businesses with relevant projects.
  • Small businesses and agricultural operations may receive meaningful financial relief and prevention support.
  • DNR and University of Maryland Extension will incur program administration responsibilities (site assessments, verification, grant management).

Fiscal and administrative considerations

  • Fiscal note (Department of Legislative Services) estimates:
    • Assumed appropriation to fund program: $500,000 annually (special fund revenues/expenditures).
    • General fund administrative costs (DNR) estimated at ~$123,900 in FY2026 (to hire a natural resources biologist, vehicle, operating expenses).
    • University of Maryland Extension administrative costs estimated at ~$130,200 in FY2026 (for extension agent site visits and damage valuations).
    • Total estimated general fund increase in FY2026: ~$623,900 (reflecting administration costs plus other assumptions). Out‑year costs are shown in the fiscal note as ongoing with modest growth.
  • The bill does not itself mandate a specific appropriation beyond the Governor’s option to include at least $50,000 annually.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan. 27, 2025; assigned to Education, Energy, and the Environment and to Budget and Taxation committees.
  • Hearing scheduled Mar. 4, 2025 (per bill information). If enacted as drafted, provisions are effective Oct. 1, 2025.
  • DNR rulemaking will be required to implement reimbursement and grant procedures.

If you want, I can produce a one‑page fact sheet for farmers outlining eligibility and the claims process based on the bill’s provisions.

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

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