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Sponsor Seeks Six‑Month Extension for Synthetic‑Turf Disposal Report
Summary
HB 321 would push Maryland’s synthetic-turf disposal reporting deadline from July 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027; sponsor and industry groups say MDE needs more time and that volunteers found about 400 turf fields statewide; questions remain about whether a consultant has been hired.
Delegate Mary Lehman asked the committee for a favorable report on HB 321, which would extend the Maryland Department of the Environment’s deadline to report on industry practices for sale, maintenance, reuse and disposal of synthetic turf fields from July 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027. Lehman said MDE and its consultants need the additional six months to produce a higher-quality, comprehensive report.
Lehman noted that Sierra Club volunteers helped map more than 400 synthetic turf fields across the state and that the 2024 law directed MDE to study industry practices, disposal locations, recycling rates and proposals to improve recycling. Richard Reinhardt, representing turf-industry associations, said his groups have been working closely with MDE and support the extension to ensure a sound product.
Senator Washington and other committee members asked about how the study is being executed, whether MDE had hired an outside consultant, and how volunteers’ data is being incorporated. Reinhardt said MDE continues stakeholder conversations and the council and stakeholders are providing input; Lehman said she was not sure whether a contractor had been fully engaged as of the hearing.
The hearing record shows the sponsor’s rationale (quality of the final report) and stakeholder support; the committee concluded the bill hearing without a recorded vote.
