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SB 480

Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Recreation Oversight Board - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike McKay

Maryland creates Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Recreation Oversight Board to coordinate state management of OHV trails, safety, and recreational access across public lands.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 180
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Bill Summary · SB 480

Legislative bill overview

SB 480 establishes a new Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Recreation Oversight Board in Maryland to manage and regulate off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities. The board would oversee trail systems, safety standards, and recreational access for ATVs, dirt bikes, and similar vehicles on public and potentially private lands.

Why is this important

This bill addresses the growing recreational use of off-highway vehicles in Maryland by creating coordinated state oversight, which currently may lack centralized management. The board could balance environmental protection, public safety, landowner rights, and recreational access—areas where conflicts frequently arise between OHV enthusiasts, environmentalists, and property owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Trail access and land use conflicts: Determining which public and private lands allow OHV use could pit recreationalists against environmental conservation groups concerned about habitat disruption and soil erosion
  • Funding and resource allocation: Questions about budget sources and whether OHV users, taxpayers, or other stakeholders bear costs for trail maintenance, enforcement, and safety programs
  • Board composition and authority: Debate over who sits on the board and how much regulatory power it holds—whether it merely advises or can impose binding rules affecting recreational opportunities and property rights

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

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