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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland updates state park terminology and renames historical park designations
Last action · April 28, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 271Sponsors: Malcolm Augustine and 1 other
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What This Bill Does
Maryland renames several state historical parks by removing the word 'historical' from their official titles and outlines requirements, taking effect on October 1, 2026.
Changes statutory naming conventions for state parks dedicated to preserving underrepresented community histories without altering their underlying operational mandates or protection status.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Department is responsible for administering the renamed state parks, establishing partnership agreements, and convening stakeholder advisory committees.
Local governments and nonprofit organizations
Entities partnering with the State can enter into memorandums of understanding or agreements to establish and manage partnership parks.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this bill change about state parks?
What is a partnership park?
When does this law go into effect?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Current status: Signed into law.
Procedural history
13 actions- Apr 28, 2026Governor of MarylandEnrolledApproved by the Governor - Chapter 271
- Apr 8, 2026SenateFloorReturned Passed
- Apr 8, 2026HouseFloorThird Reading Passed (134-0)
- Apr 3, 2026HouseFloorFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
- Apr 3, 2026HouseCommitteeFavorable Report by Environment and Transportation
- Mar 25, 2026HouseHearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
Show 7 earlier actions
- Feb 25, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred Environment and Transportation
- Feb 24, 2026SenateFloorThird Reading Passed (45-0)
- Feb 20, 2026SenateFloorSecond Reading Passed
- Feb 20, 2026SenateFloorFavorable Adopted
- Feb 20, 2026SenateCommitteeFavorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
- Jan 23, 2026SenateHearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 20, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance35How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy5Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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