SB 453
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 453 (Senator Edwards)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Environment and Transportation
Allegany County and Garrett County - Archery Hunting - Safety Zone
This bill decreases the archery hunting “safety zone” in Allegany and Garrett counties from
150 yards to 50 yards from a dwelling house, residence, church, or any other building or
camp occupied by human beings. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill is not expected to materially affect State operations or finances.
Local Effect: The bill is not expected to materially affect local operations or finances.
Small Business Effect: Minimal or none.
Analysis
Current Law: Generally, a person, other than the owner or occupant, may not shoot or
discharge any firearm or other deadly weapon within a specified area within 150 yards,
known as the “safety zone,” of a dwelling house, residence, church, or other building or
camp occupied by human beings without the specific advance permission of the owner or
occupant. Also, a person, other than the owner or occupant, may not shoot at any animal
while it is within the safety zone without the specific advance permission of the owner or
occupant.
For archery hunters in Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Montgomery, St. Mary’s,
and Washington counties, the safety zone extends for 50 yards from a dwelling house,
residence, church, or other building or camp occupied by human beings. For archery
hunters in Anne Arundel County, the safety zone extends for 100 yards from a dwelling
house, residence, church, or other building or camp occupied by human beings. An archery
hunter in Harford County must use a tree stand when hunting within 50 to 100 yards of a
dwelling house, residence, church, or any other building or camp occupied by human
beings. An archery hunter in Montgomery and Washington counties must be in an elevated
position that allows the hunter to shoot in a downward trajectory when hunting within
50 to 100 yards of a dwelling house, residence, church, school, or other building or camp
occupied by human beings.
A person, while hunting for any wild bird or mammal, may not shoot or discharge any
firearm within 300 yards of a school during school hours or when a school-approved
activity is taking place.
During any open hunting season, a person, other than the owner or occupant, may not hunt
or chase willfully any animal within the safety zone without the specific advance
permission of the owner or occupant.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 637 (Allegany County Delegation and Garrett County
Delegation) - Environment and Transportation.
Information Source(s): Garrett County; Department of Natural Resources; Department
of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - March 5, 2021
rh/lgc Third Reader - March 22, 2021
Analysis by: Kathleen P. Kennedy Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 453/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Allegany County and Garrett County - Archery Hunting - Safety Zone: 10-410 Natural Resources
Text - Third - Allegany County and Garrett County - Archery Hunting - Safety Zone: 10-410 Natural Resources