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Bill

SB 209

Department of Natural Resources - Savage Highlands State Park - Hotel Rental Surcharge

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike McKay

Maryland bill authorizes a hotel surcharge at Savage Highlands State Park to fund park operations and maintenance through guest accommodation taxes.

Hearing 1/27 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 209

Legislative bill overview

SB 209 authorizes the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to impose a hotel rental surcharge at or near Savage Highlands State Park. The surcharge would generate revenue designated for park operations, maintenance, and improvements. This legislation creates a new funding mechanism for the state park system.

Why is this important

State parks across the country face chronic underfunding, and this bill represents an alternative revenue approach to support park infrastructure and services without relying solely on general tax revenue. The surcharge could establish a precedent for how Maryland funds its park system going forward, potentially affecting both tourists and park budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on tourism: Hotel operators and tourism boards may argue the surcharge reduces competitiveness and discourages visitors to the region
  • Fairness of targeted taxation: Questions about why hotels near one specific park bear this burden differently from other businesses or parks across the state
  • Revenue allocation clarity: Lack of specificity in how surcharge revenue will be distributed and what controls exist to prevent misuse or diversion of funds
  • Rate determination: Concerns about what authority sets surcharge levels and whether there are caps or oversight mechanisms to prevent excessive charges

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

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