State and Private Wetlands - Nonwater-Dependent Project - Definition

HB 976 amends Maryland law to clarify that registered vessels (under Title 8, Subtitle 7 of the Natural Resources Article) are explicitly excluded from the definition of a "nonwater-dependent project" for wetlands construction purposes. This change directly affects vessel owners and permit applicants, as it removes vessels from a category that previously allowed certain pier-based structures without full wetlands permitting. The bill modifies Section 16-101(i) of the Environment Article to specify that vessels "regardless of use" cannot be classified as nonwater-dependent projects. This ensures vessels follow standard wetlands permitting requirements rather than the streamlined process applicable to other structures like piers or renewable energy systems. The policy change streamlines regulatory clarity for state wetlands management.