Last week, the Maryland General Assembly adjourned sine die, marking the end of the 2026 legislative session. In legislative terms, “sine die” (Latin for “without day”) means the assembly has finished its business and adjourned for the year. This 90-day sprint is over; the legislative clock has stopped, and the fate of this year’s bills is sealed.
Here is the status of some key measures tracked this year.
HB 1063: Sunday Migratory Bird Hunting
This landmark bill repeals the long-standing prohibition against hunting migratory game birds on Sundays and grants the DNR broader authority to manage Sunday hunting. Status: Passed both chambers and sent to the Governor for his consideration.
HB 1324 / SB 879: Baltimore City Archery & Safety Zones
These bills authorize the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to allow Sunday deer hunting with archery equipment in Baltimore City. It also adds Baltimore City to the list of jurisdictions where the archery safety zone is 50 yards from occupied buildings. Status: Passed both chambers and sent to the Governor for his consideration.
HB 1067/ SB 181: Lead Ammunition Ban
This legislation would have required the DNR to phase out traditional lead ammunition for the hunting of all game species. Status: Failed to complete the legislative process and is considered defeated for the year.
HB 197 / SB 118: 11% Firearms & Ammo Excise Tax
This bill would have imposed a punitive 11% excise tax on firearms, accessories, and ammunition, making our heritage more expensive for every Marylander. Status: Failed to move forward and has been defeated for the year.
While the session is over, our work is not. Animal extremists and anti-hunting and gun groups never clock out. They are already pivoting to the interim period, looking for ways to bypass the legislature through ballot initiatives or administrative rule changes that threaten our traditions and lifestyle.
We’ve seen it in neighboring states: the moment we look away, they strike. We need you to stay engaged, keep your boots on the ground, and be ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice.
Review a complete list of monitored bills via the Interactive Legislative Map. Please share this message with fellow sportsmen to help defend our hunting, fishing, and trapping heritage in Maryland.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance guarantees hunting, fishing and trapping for the American sportsman now and forever. We’re there when sportsmen need us most. We are the only organization specifically created to protect the individual hunter, angler, and trapper – no matter the threat. We will never compromise when it comes to defending our way of life in the courts, in the legislatures, in the public square and at the ballot box. We make this promise to the American sportsman: we will never give up and never give in while proudly securing our future against those seeking to destroy our values, beliefs, and traditions. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
