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Final Update: April 2008 MAWC successful in fighting new DNR regulations! Message from the Governor Message From the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2008 |
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Legislative/Regulatory Update At this point in session, bills begin to move – being either passed, killed, or withdrawn as you will see below: HB 134, Vehicle Laws – Transporting Pets in Trucks or Trailers, would prohibit a person from transporting a pet in or on a truck or trailer on a highway unless the truck or trailer is enclosed on the sides and the top in a manner that safely prevents the pet from falling, jumping, or otherwise exiting the truck or trailer or unless the pet is confined by a device designed to safely prevent the pet from falling, jumping, or otherwise exiting the truck or trailer. For purposes of this bill, “pet” means a domesticated animal and excludes livestock as defined in the Agriculture Article; etc. What’s quirky about this bill is that “people” over the age of 16 are allowed by state law to ride in the back of an open truck. As one senator said, “This means I’ll have to put my dog in the truck cab with me and my wife in the back!” This bill had a hearing on February 7 but has not yet been voted up or down. HB 655, Natural Resources – Hunting Licenses – Minimum Age, prohibits anyone under the age of 13 from getting a hunting license. This bill was withdrawn by the sponsor. HB 834, Consumer Protection – Fur Labeling Requirements for Articles of Clothing. This bill requires that any clothing with any type of real fur be labeled as such. Apparently, China is exporting some raccoon-dog articles and claiming it is fake fur. With much fanfare by the sponsors, this bill had a hearing on March 6. HB 938, Montgomery County – Deer Hunting on Private Lands – Effective Date. This bill, introduced by the Montgomery County Delegation, lifts the sunset provision. In other words, Sunday deer hunting will continue indefinitely in Montgomery County. The bill is assigned to the Environmental Matters Committee where it has a hearing on March 12. HB 1482/SB878, Harford County – Deer Hunting on Private Property – Sundays. This local legislation would take Harford County off the list of counties that don’t allow deer hunting on the first Sunday of firearms season in November. If this bill passes, the only jurisdictions that would not allow Sunday hunting would be Baltimore City, Prince George’s, Howard, Frederick, Baltimore and Carroll counties. SB 878 is scheduled for a hearing in Education, Health and Environmental Affairs on March 12. Because HB 1482 was introduced late, it has not been scheduled for a public hearing. |