ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Shark lovers, rejoice.
A bill to make the prehistoric shark megalodon the Maryland state shark has passed in the legislative session in Annapolis.
Up until the final day of session, it wasn't looking good for what was once the world's most powerful predator.
The House of Delegates passed its version, HB97, early on in the session but the Senate's version stalled in committee.
On the last day, an amendment was added to SB0035, which had already passed. SB0035 designates the Natural History Society of Maryland as the State natural sciences museum. It now includes designating megalodon as the state shark and designating a "Purple Lights Night" to honor survivors of domestic violence.
Related: Effort underway in Annapolis to make megalodon the Maryland state shark
Both the House and Senate concurred on the amendments. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.
Once official, Maryland will become the first in the nation to have a state shark.
The bill was the idea of Dr. Stephen Godfrey and John Nance from the Calvert Marine Museum in Southern Maryland. The museum is home to a number of megalodon teeth, which are often found along the Calvert Cliffs.
