Local bill shrinks archery hunting safety zone in Baltimore City; committee approves

House Bill 1324, moved by Chair Boyse on behalf of the Baltimore City House delegation, was advanced after the committee approved amendments that remove provisions authorizing Sunday bow hunting and reduce the archery hunting safety zone in Baltimore City from 150 yards to 50 yards for private land.

Chair Boyse explained the bill had initially been part of a larger hunting bill but was moved as a standalone local measure to enact the decrease in safety zone distance. Delegate Markey asked whether the bill applied to public or private land; Chair Boyse confirmed it applies to private land at the Baltimore City delegation's request.

Delegate Cheryl Lewis explained her vote, acknowledging personal objections to hunting in principle but saying she supported the bill because it is important to her constituents and, she argued, to protect urban parks such as Gwynns Falls and Lincoln Park from overgrazing by expanding deer populations.

Why it matters: The provision modifies a localized public‑safety buffer for archery hunting on private land in Baltimore City, a policy change requested by the city delegation. Supporters framed the change as necessary to protect urban parks and manage deer populations.

Procedure and outcome: The committee adopted the amendments and passed the local bill. Members offered brief explanations of votes and cosponsors were recorded.

What happens next: The local bill will proceed under the usual legislative process for delegation/local measures.