Committee converts striped-bass reporting bill into DNR data‑collection study
March 20, 2026 | Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland
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The Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on Wednesday amended and approved Senate Bill 559, changing the measure from an immediate recreational striped bass catch‑reporting requirement into a study and program-development mandate for the Department of Natural Resources.
Committee staff explained that the Bailey amendments strike the bill as introduced and instead require the Department of Natural Resources to establish, on or before Dec. 31, 2026, a recreational fishery data‑collection program and, by Dec. 31, 2027, to report on findings and deliver a work plan detailing proposed development and implementation of a system for recreational anglers. The amendment also directs DNR to survey other states’ recreational-fishing reporting programs, coordinate with state and federal partners, and—subject to available funding—enter into a contract for technology to support data collection.
“so the original bill was a data reporting bill… specifically on striped bass, correct,” Senator Corrosa said while asking for clarification on how the amended bill differs from the original reporting requirement. Committee staff replied that the amendment is “the first step” toward building capacity and that DNR does not currently have a practical platform to collect the required data statewide.
Senator Watson told the committee she had received calls about the measure and voiced constituent interest: “in the last 30 minutes, I just probably got 15 calls about this bill.” Committee members characterized the amendment as converting the measure into a study bill: it requires planning, interagency coordination, and a later report rather than imposing immediate angler reporting obligations.
Senator Washington moved the Bailey amendment, Senator Corrosa seconded; the amendment was adopted by voice/hand vote. The committee then took the measure as amended; a motion to report favorable was noted as moved and seconded and the committee approved SB 559 as amended.
The committee record shows the amended bill requires DNR to produce a work plan and implementation recommendations, but funding for any technology contracts or system implementation is explicitly subject to available appropriations. The committee approved the measure for further consideration; the transcript does not record a floor date or final vote beyond committee action.
Committee staff explained that the Bailey amendments strike the bill as introduced and instead require the Department of Natural Resources to establish, on or before Dec. 31, 2026, a recreational fishery data‑collection program and, by Dec. 31, 2027, to report on findings and deliver a work plan detailing proposed development and implementation of a system for recreational anglers. The amendment also directs DNR to survey other states’ recreational-fishing reporting programs, coordinate with state and federal partners, and—subject to available funding—enter into a contract for technology to support data collection.
“so the original bill was a data reporting bill… specifically on striped bass, correct,” Senator Corrosa said while asking for clarification on how the amended bill differs from the original reporting requirement. Committee staff replied that the amendment is “the first step” toward building capacity and that DNR does not currently have a practical platform to collect the required data statewide.
Senator Watson told the committee she had received calls about the measure and voiced constituent interest: “in the last 30 minutes, I just probably got 15 calls about this bill.” Committee members characterized the amendment as converting the measure into a study bill: it requires planning, interagency coordination, and a later report rather than imposing immediate angler reporting obligations.
Senator Washington moved the Bailey amendment, Senator Corrosa seconded; the amendment was adopted by voice/hand vote. The committee then took the measure as amended; a motion to report favorable was noted as moved and seconded and the committee approved SB 559 as amended.
The committee record shows the amended bill requires DNR to produce a work plan and implementation recommendations, but funding for any technology contracts or system implementation is explicitly subject to available appropriations. The committee approved the measure for further consideration; the transcript does not record a floor date or final vote beyond committee action.
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