On February 4, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in support to HB 35 – Local Government – Regulatory Powers – Regulation of Tree of Heaven. 

This bill would provide additional powers to local jurisdictions for the regulation and control of the invasive Tree of Heaven.

The Tree of Heaven is the preferred plant for Spotted Lanternflies to lay their eggs. This invasive insect species is responsible for hundreds of millions in damage across the country and is becoming an increasing problem throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

From MACo Testimony: 

As the preferred host plant for the ubiquitous Spotted Lanternfly, the Tree of Heaven presents a resounding threat to the health of Maryland’s ecosystem. The Spotted Lanternfly is a well-documented invasive species that is wreaking havoc on agriculture and costing hundreds of millions in ecological damage across the nation. While counties respect homeowners’ right to transform the landscape of their property within certain limits, it is critical that nonnative plant species be controlled from causing severe unintended consequences.

HB 35’s cross-file, SB 266, was heard before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on February 10. Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony in support of this bill.

SB 266 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Environment and Transportation Committee, on April 1. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog