1. (a) In this section, “dam owner” means the owner or person having control of the normal operation or maintenance of a dam.

2. (b)

   1. (1) This section applies to a dam that is:

      1. (i) Included in the Maryland Dam Inventory; and
      2. (ii) Not owned by the federal government.
   2. (2) This section does not apply to a reservoir, dam, waterway obstruction, or small pond that is exempt from permit requirements under § 5-503(b) of this subtitle.
3. (c) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, all dam owners shall register their dams annually with the Department.

4. (d) Beginning January 1, 2027, to register with the Department, a dam owner shall:

   1. (1) Submit an application to the Department on the form provided by the Department; and
   2. (2) Pay to the Department a registration fee.

5. (e) The registration fee shall be:

   1. (1) For a low hazard class dam, $200;
   2. (2) For a significant hazard class dam, $500; and
   3. (3) For a high hazard class dam, $1,000.
6. (f) Registration fees collected under this section shall be paid into the Private Dam Repair Fund established under § 5-509.2 of this subtitle.

7. (g)

   1. (1) The Department shall establish criteria to fully or partially waive the registration fee under this section due to financial hardship.
   2. (2) The waiver criteria established under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall prioritize individual homeowners.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 432, § 2, eff. July 1, 2025.