Endangered and Threatened Species - Incidental Taking - Bats

SB 946 establishes a new permit process allowing incidental taking (unintentional harm or killing) of certain bat species in Maryland. It requires applicants, such as developers or landowners, to submit a detailed conservation plan outlining impacts, mitigation steps, funding, and alternatives considered. The Secretary of Natural Resources must then verify the taking won’t harm bat recovery, the plan is fully funded and implementable, and federal permits are secured. This directly affects entities working in areas with protected bat populations and the state agency overseeing wildlife permits.