(a) In this section, "neonicotinoid pesticide" has the meaning stated in § 5- 2A-01 of this article. (b) (1) On or before July 1, 2017, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Environmental Service, and the State Highway Administration, in consultation with the Department, each shall establish a pollinator habitat plan. (2) A pollinator habitat plan required under this subsection: (i) Shall include best management practices for the designation, maintenance, creation, enhancement, and restoration of pollinator habitat areas; (ii) Shall be as protective of pollinators as the Department's managed pollinator protection plan; (iii) May not require an action on land that is inconsistent with any federal, State, or local law, regulation, rule, or guidance that applies to the land; (iv) May not require the creation of pollinator habitat on productive farmland; and (v) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, may not allow the use of the following pesticides, seeds, or plants in an area designated or created as a pollinator habitat area in accordance with a pollinator habitat plan: 1. Neonicotinoid pesticides; 2. Pesticides labeled as toxic to bees or other pollinators; or 3. Seeds or plants treated with a neonicotinoid pesticide. (3) (i) Pesticides labeled as toxic to bees or other pollinators that are not neonicotinoid pesticides may be used in an area designated or created as a pollinator habitat area under a pollinator habitat plan if the Secretary of Health determines that the use is necessary to respond to a specific instance of threat to public health. (ii) A pollinator habitat plan required under this subsection may not restrict a farmer, or a person working under the supervision of a farmer, from using the pesticides, seeds, or plants specified under paragraph (2)(v) of this subsection for agricultural purposes, including: 1. Crop production; 2. Livestock; 3. Poultry; 4. Equine; and 5. Noncrop agricultural fields. (c) (1) (i) In addition to the requirements under subsection (b) of this section, the State Highway Administration's pollinator habitat plan shall include policies and procedures: 1. To encourage the use of pollinator-friendly native plants along State highways; 2. To develop and maintain pollinator habitat areas along State highways, to the extent reasonable and feasible and in accordance with relevant safety standards for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians; and 3. For educating and communicating with the public about pollinator habitat areas along State highways. (ii) In developing the policies and procedures required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the State Highway Administration shall consider the Federal Highway Administration's publication on Roadside Best Management Practices that Benefit Pollinators. (iii) The policies and procedures for educating and communicating with the public under item (i)3 of this paragraph may include: 1. Placing and maintaining, in accordance with any applicable provisions in Title 8, Subtitle 7 of the Transportation Article, of informational signs along State highways; 2. Publishing information on the website of the State Highway Administration and associated social media platforms; and 3. Outreach to community associations and elected officials. (2) The State Highway Administration shall: (i) Track and evaluate federal programs that provide funding for pollinator habitats, native plants, and invasive species control, including funding under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021; and (ii) Apply for any funding that the Administration determines appropriate and beneficial to pollinator habitats in the State. (d) (1) The Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Environmental Service, and the State Highway Administration each shall: (i) On or before September 1, 2017, make available to the public on its website the pollinator habitat plan established in accordance with subsection (b) of this section; and (ii) On or before July 1, 2018, implement the pollinator habitat plan established in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. (2) On or before October 1, 2024, and each October 1 thereafter, the State Highway Administration shall update the pollinator habitat plan published on its website to include: (i) Current policies and procedures adopted in accordance with subsection (c) of this section; and (ii) A list of the location and approximate size of current pollinator habitat areas maintained by the Administration. §2-1901. IN EFFECT (a) (1) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) "Healthy soils" means the continuing capacity of soil to: 1. Function as a biological system; 2. Increase soil organic matter; 3. Improve soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity; and 4. Sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (ii) "Healthy soils" may include regenerative practices and traditions. (3) "Program" means the Maryland Healthy Soils Program. (4) (i) "Regenerative practices and traditions" means a form of land management and stewardship approaches and practices that: 1. Draws on traditions and innovations from African, Indigenous, and original land stewards; 2. Promotes culturally important food and climate justice programs and initiatives; and 3. Enhances the land and ecosystem through adaptive land management practices that improve soil health and water quality, restore biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide the greatest community benefits. (ii) "Regenerative practices and traditions" includes practices such as producing food in the State for distribution within the State. (b) There is a Maryland Healthy Soils Program. (c) The purpose of the Program is to: (1) Improve the health, yield, and profitability of the soils of the State; (2) Increase biological activity and carbon sequestration in the soils of the State by promoting practices based on emerging soil science, including planting mixed cover crops, adopting no-till or low-till farming practices, and rotation grazing; and (3) Promote widespread use of healthy soils practices among farmers in the State. (d) To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Department shall: (1) Provide incentives, including research, education, technical assistance, and, subject to available funding, financial assistance, to farmers to implement farm management practices that contribute to healthy soils; and (2) Determine whether the Program may be implemented in a manner to enhance other State and federal programs that provide financial assistance to farmers. (e) In each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program. §2-1901. // EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 38 OF 2022 // (a) (1) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) "Healthy soils" means the continuing capacity of soil to: 1. Function as a biological system; 2. Increase soil organic matter; 3. Improve soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity; and 4. Sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (ii) "Healthy soils" may include regenerative practices and traditions. (3) "Program" means the Maryland Healthy Soils Program. (4) (i) "Regenerative practices and traditions" means a form of land management and stewardship approaches and practices that: 1. Draws on traditions and innovations from African, Indigenous, and original land stewards; 2. Promotes culturally important food and climate justice programs and initiatives; and 3. Enhances the land and ecosystem through adaptive land management practices that improve soil health and water quality, restore biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide the greatest community benefits. (ii) "Regenerative practices and traditions" includes practices such as producing food in the State for distribution within the State. (b) There is a Maryland Healthy Soils Program. (c) The purpose of the Program is to: (1) Improve the health, yield, and profitability of the soils of the State; (2) Increase biological activity and carbon sequestration in the soils of the State by promoting practices based on emerging soil science, including planting mixed cover crops, adopting no-till or low-till farming practices, and rotation grazing; and (3) Promote widespread use of healthy soils practices among farmers in the State. (d) To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Department shall: (1) Provide incentives, including research, education, technical assistance, and, subject to available funding, financial assistance, to farmers to implement farm management practices that contribute to healthy soils; and (2) Determine whether the Program may be implemented in a manner to enhance other State and federal programs that provide financial assistance to farmers.
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