Maryland House Bill HB727

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22

Caption

Natural Resources - Maryland Park Service and State Parks - Alterations (Great Maryland Outdoors Act)

Impact

The bill mandates that the Maryland Park Service increase its workforce by 100 full-time positions, aiming for enhanced operational efficiency and improved service delivery in state parks. Additionally, it emphasizes adopting universal design principles to ensure that all citizens, including those with disabilities, have equitable access to park amenities. Another significant aspect is the requirement for a comprehensive long-range strategic plan to set clear goals and direction for the future of the state park system.

Summary

House Bill 727, titled the Great Maryland Outdoors Act, primarily focuses on reforming the Maryland Park Service and enhancing state parks. This legislation proposes the creation of the Parks and Recreation Commission to oversee the Maryland Park Service while addressing critical infrastructure, capacity, and accessibility needs across state parks. One notable feature of this act is the establishment of dedicated funds, namely the Park System Critical Maintenance Fund and the Park System Capital Improvements and Acquisition Fund, which will provide financial resources aimed at completing capital improvements and acquiring land for public purposes.

Contention

There have been discussions regarding the potential impacts of this bill on the management of state resources and budgetary allocations. Critics argue that while the intentions behind the Great Maryland Outdoors Act are commendable, the sustainability of funding and the realistic implementation of the proposed expansion of services could be contentious. Concerns are also raised about whether the focus on expansion will detract from maintaining and preserving existing park lands and resources effectively, thus sparking debates among stakeholders regarding environmental impacts and fiscal responsibility.