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Bill

HB 994

Business Regulation - Travel Services - Special Fund, Fees, and Surety Requirement (Don't You Worry (Wurie) Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Boafo and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland requires travel service providers to maintain surety bonds and pay into a consumer protection fund to reduce fraud losses and business failure impacts.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 611
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 994

Legislative bill overview

HB 994 establishes new regulatory requirements for travel service providers in Maryland, including mandatory surety bonds, licensing fees, and creation of a special fund to protect consumers. The bill appears designed to safeguard travelers from fraud or business failures by requiring financial backing from travel companies operating in the state.

Why is this important

Travel fraud and business collapses can leave consumers stranded or out thousands of dollars with limited recourse. This bill creates a consumer protection mechanism requiring travel service providers to maintain financial reserves or bonds, establishing accountability and a potential recovery avenue for harmed customers.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden on small businesses: New surety bond requirements and fees may disproportionately affect small travel agencies, potentially reducing competition or pushing some out of business
  • Fee structure and fund administration: The special fund mechanism raises questions about how fees are calculated, who administers the fund, and whether collected fees are used efficiently for consumer protection versus administrative overhead
  • Scope of coverage: Unclear whether the surety requirements apply equally to all travel service providers (online platforms, agencies, tour operators) or if certain segments receive exemptions, creating potential regulatory gaps

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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