HB 579
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader - Revised
House Bill 579 (Delegate Hornberger)
Environment and Transportation Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Cecil County - Snare Traps - Repeal of Prohibitions
This bill removes Cecil County from the existing county-specific prohibition against the
use, sale, possession, setting, placement, or maintenance of a snare trap. As a result,
existing criminal penalties for violations of that provision no longer apply to those acts in
Cecil County. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill is not anticipated to materially affect State finances or operations.
Local Effect: The bill is not anticipated to materially affect Cecil County finances or
operations.
Small Business Effect: Minimal overall, but potential meaningful impact on some small
businesses, as discussed below.
Analysis
Current Law: In Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Montgomery, and
Prince George’s counties, a person may not use, sell, possess, set, place, or maintain a snare
trap. A snare trap is a device made of wire, synthetic cord, or other material in the form of
a noose designed or set to capture an animal by the neck and includes a pole snare, a
hanging snare, and a neck snare.
A person who violates any provision of Title 10 (Wildlife) of the Natural Resources Article
is guilty of a misdemeanor. Various penalties apply for first and subsequent offenses. Fines
collected for such violations are credited to the State Wildlife Management and Protection
Fund. Additionally, a Natural Resources Police officer, or any law enforcement officer who
arrests a person for violating Title 10 of the Natural Resources Article, may seize every
bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian unlawfully caught, sold, offered for sale, transported,
or possessed. The Department of Natural Resources may dispose of any seized species of
wildlife at the department’s discretion.
Small Business Effect: Certain types of businesses, such as wildlife damage control
operators/trappers, may benefit from the bill’s changes. By allowing these entities to use
snare traps in Cecil County, these businesses may be able to expand their services.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 955 of 2020, a similar bill as amended, passed the House and
was referred to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, but
no further action was taken.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Department of Natural Resources; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 3, 2021
rh/lgc Third Reader - March 22, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - March 22, 2021
Analysis by: Kathleen P. Kennedy Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 579/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Snare Traps - Prohibition Against Sale or Possession - Alterations: 10-410 Natural Resources, 1-992 Natural Resources
Text - Third - Cecil County - Snare Traps - Repeal of Prohibitions: 10-410 Natural Resources, 1-992 Natural Resources