Maryland prohibits land surveyors from entering private property during deer firearms season without written permission

Original title: Land Surveyors and Property Line Surveyors - Private Property Access - Prohibition

Last action · February 10, 2026: Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsors: Justin Ready and 2 others

Companion · HB 716same policy, House version

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What This Bill Would Do

s and s are prohibited from conducting surveys on private property during the deer firearms hunting season without obtaining written permission from the property owner, starting October 1, 2026. Violations of this restriction subject the individual to criminal misdemeanor penalties, including fines up to $500 and imprisonment up to six months, as well as administrative civil penalties up to $5,000 imposed by the Board.

Why it matters

Property owners gain the legal right to bar surveyors during specific hunting periods, while surveyors face criminal and civil sanctions for unauthorized entry, altering how professional access is coordinated during hunting seasons.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Land surveyors and property line surveyors

Surveyors must obtain written property owner permission to work on private land during deer firearms hunting season or face criminal and civil penalties.

Directly affected

Private property owners

Property owners hold the legal authority to grant or withhold written permission for surveyors to access their private land during the specified hunting season.

Key Facts

A land surveyor or property line surveyor is prohibited from conducting a survey on private property during deer firearms hunting season without the written permission of the property owner.
Violations of this title constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both.
The Board may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation, taking into account the seriousness, harm, good faith, history of violations, and other relevant factors.
Civil penalties collected under this provision must be paid into the General Fund of the State.

Show all 5 facts

The Act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers the restriction against surveyors on private property?

The restriction applies during the deer firearms hunting season as defined under Section 10-410 of the Natural Resources Article.

What happens if a surveyor violates this new rule?

A violator is guilty of a misdemeanor carrying up to a $500 fine and 6 months in prison, and the Board may impose an administrative civil penalty of up to $5,000.

Can a surveyor still enter private property during deer firearms season with permission?

Yes, surveyors may conduct surveys during that time if they have obtained written permission from the property owner.

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Where This Stands

Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.

Procedural history

2 actions

Feb 10, 2026Senate
Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
Feb 4, 2026SenateIntroduced
First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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