MarylandHB 04042026 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Resources - State Parks - Terminology

Sponsored By: Bernice Mireku-North (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyBaltimore CityCecil CountyCharles CountyClassifications and DesignationsForests and Parks -see also- MdNatlCapPkPlnCm; Plants; etc.Historical Matters -see also- Archives; Monumts; Museum; etcMontgomery CountyNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPrince George's CountyRacial Matters -see also- Ethnic Affairs; Minorities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Community planning for Gwynns Falls State Park

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Department and Baltimore City hold focus groups near the future park. They list priority needs and cost estimates for repairs, habitat work, historic restoration, trails, staffing, equipment, and public safety. They also create a stakeholder committee that includes Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park and at least six local organization members. The Department must report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2025 on properties to include and the money needed to establish and promote the park.

Community voice and partnerships in state parks

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Department must get input from key state commissions when creating parks that tell the stories of African American, Asian, Indigenous or Native American, and Hispanic or Latino communities. The long‑range plan must include new parks that preserve and explain these histories. The Department can sign agreements with local governments, bicounty agencies, and nonprofits to create or manage partnership parks.

Freedman’s State Park in Montgomery County

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Department establishes Freedman’s State Park as a partnership park. The park preserves and teaches Black American history in and around Brookeville, Olney, Sandy Spring, Zion, and Laytonsville, using State and partner‑owned sites. The Department sets up a stakeholder advisory committee that includes Montgomery Parks, the Heritage Tourism Alliance, the Sandy Spring Slave Museum, and the Sandy Spring Museum, and reflects local diversity. The Department must report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2023 on properties to include and funding needed to establish and promote the park.

Port Deposit State Park at Bainbridge

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Department establishes Port Deposit State Park as a partnership park focused on Black American history. The State holds 120 to 150 acres at the Bainbridge site, including the Tome School, the Snow Hill archaeological site, and nearby conservation land. The Department creates a stakeholder advisory committee with local, county, and State members that reflects Cecil County’s diversity. The Department must report to the General Assembly by September 1, 2024 on which properties to include, funding needs, and how to preserve other significant lands in perpetuity.

Volunteer programs and better park access

Beginning October 1, 2026, the long‑range plan reports on a volunteer management program and how charitable funds improve parks. It also reports on work with transportation agencies to improve bike, sidewalk, and trail access to State parks.

Pipeline to park jobs for workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, the long‑range plan includes workforce programs for park jobs. The Department works with the State’s HBCUs and follows the National Park Service diversity model. The goal is a pipeline for rangers and full‑time staff from volunteers, foster youth, and underserved communities.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bernice Mireku-North
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/26/2026