Why It Matters: Maryland State Senator Jack Bailey, representing the 29th Legislative District (Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties), was presented with the 2023 National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus’ (NASC) Heritage Award for the Northeastern Region during the 20th Annual NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit held in Dewey Beach, DE from December 5-8, 2023. Sen. Bailey was recognized through this award for his outstanding contributions to Maryland’s sportsmen and women in addition to conservation within the “Old Line State”. During Maryland’s 2023 Legislative Session, Sen. Bailey played an integral role in the passage of multiple key sportsmen and women policies, particularly, Senate Bill 327, which addressed several key hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation policy initiatives.
Highlights:
- Senator Bailey was a co-sponsor on Senate Bill 327,which created access to additional funding to be used by the general public for hunting, established a fund for R3 programs, established a sika deer conservation stamp, increased hunting license fees to expand wildlife management and access, etc. This legislation passed both chambers with bipartisan support (124-9 in the House and 47-0 in the Senate) and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on May 8, 2023, and took effect on July 1, 2023.
- Senator Bailey authored and introduced Maryland Senate Bill 422, which created a special nonlapsing fund to further manage black bass (large and smallmouth bass) that also includes voluntary donations. The legislation passed both chambers unanimously (133-0 in the House and 47-0 in the Senate) and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on May 8, 2023, and took effect on October 1, 2023.
- In addition, Senator Bailey introduced Senate Bill 10, which requires the Maryland DNR to create a digital hunting license with certain digital stamps and permits. This legislation passed both chambers unanimously (134-0 in the House and 45-0 in the Senate) and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on May 8, 2023, and will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Senate Bill 327 was introduced by Senator Sara K. Elfreth and Co-Sponsored by Senator Jack Bailey. This legislation altered the purpose of the Heritage Conservation Fund to include acquiring interests in land that can be used by the general public for hunting, establishing the Wildlife Conservation, Education, and Outreach Program to provide outreach and foster an interest in outdoor recreation and stewardship, hunting, and wildlife conservation (R3). In addition, this legislation created a stamp for hunting sika deer, and authorized nonresident college students attending a college or university in the State to purchase a hunting license at the resident rate. This legislation first included a provision that would allow for Sunday waterfowl hunting in Maryland but was amended out in the final version. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) provided oral testimony in favor of the legislation during the hearing on the House cross-file, HB 983 and was joined by fellow conservation and sporting partners in support of this legislation.
Senate Bill 422 was introduced by Senator Jack Bailey to establish a Black Bass Conservation Fund within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a special, non-lapsing fund to further black bass management (largemouth and smallmouth). In addition, this requires the DNR to administer the fund and require them to establish a process through which an individual who purchases a certain license online may make a voluntary donation to the fund and requires that any interest earned on the fund but be credited back to the Black Bass Conservation Fund. The DNR may use the money within the fund to stock black bass, enhance aquatic habitats for black bass, support responsible black bass tournaments and support scientific research related to black bass conservation. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation submitted a letter of support in favor of SB 422.
Senate Bill 10 was introduced by Senator Jack Bailey to expand the requirement that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) make available and issue certain licenses and stamps in a digital or electronic format, and proving that, if the DNR cannot issue certain licenses, stamps, permits, registrations, or certificates in a digital or electronic format because of federal restrictions, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the DNR issues the abovementioned items in electronic format if and when federal restrictions are eliminated.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds Senator Jack Bailey for his continuous contributions to Maryland’s sportsmen and women, and conservation within Maryland and throughout the Country with his role on the NASC Executive Council. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Bailey and the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to further inform, influence and defend policies that protect and promote outdoor traditions in the “Old Line State”.
