Maryland DNR Wants Large Marine Party Organizers to Apply for a Permit

     Annapolis, Md. -- Maryland's DNR wants marine gathering organizers to pay for law enforcement. The DNR is pushing Senate Bill 127, in an effort to bring some control to popular large marine parties such as AquaPalooza, Bumper Bash, and Canal Day. DNR staffers say some 10 to 20 Natural Resource Police officers are needed to maintain public safety during those events. 

     According to the proposed legislation, a person may not sponsor or hold a marine gathering without obtaining a written permit from the department at least 60 days prior to the event.

     The permit would not be required for a race, or a parade, or any event that requires a Coast Guard permit. Organizers would have to hire security guards with arrest powers or pay for law enforcement.

     The text of the proposed bill is available here.