HB 755
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader - Revised
House Bill 755 (Delegate Thiam)
Environment and Transportation Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Natural Resources - Healing Hunting and Fishing Fund - No Cost Licenses and
Stamps
This bill establishes that recreational hunting or fishing opportunities, that are provided
using a grant awarded from the Healing Hunting and Fishing Fund, may include providing
at no cost (1) an angler’s license and trout stamps; (2) a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport
fishing license; or (3) a hunting license and any corresponding stamps. The bill takes effect
July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill does not directly affect State finances.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: The Healing Hunting and Fishing Fund, administered by the
Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT), has the stated purpose of providing any of the following
opportunities for Gold Star recipients, disabled veterans or other veterans who could
benefit from the opportunities, disabled members of the U.S. Armed Forces or other
members of the U.S. Armed Forces who could benefit from the opportunities, and
permanently disabled persons who require the use of a wheelchair: (1) recreational hunting
or fishing; (2) recreational water activities; (3) other recreational outdoor activities;
(4) therapeutic outdoor activities; or (5) workforce training for green jobs, including
outdoor agricultural jobs.
CBT may use the fund to make grants to eligible sponsor organizations to pay capital,
operational, or programming costs incurred in providing any of the above-mentioned
opportunities. The Department of Natural Resources is required to establish a process
through which an individual who purchases an angler’s license, a Chesapeake Bay and
coastal sport fishing license, or a hunting license and any corresponding stamps – through
the department’s electronic licensing system – may make a voluntary monetary donation
to the fund at the time of purchase.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Department of Natural Resources; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 16, 2021
rh/lgc Third Reader - March 29, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - March 29, 2021
Analysis by: Scott D. Kennedy Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 755/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Natural Resources – Complimentary Angler’s License – Disabled Veterans: 4-607 Natural Resources
Text - Third - Natural Resources - Healing Hunting and Fishing Fund - No Cost Licenses and Stamps: 1-405 Natural Resources, 7-302 Natural Resources, 4-607 Natural Resources