Maryland SB161: Natural Resources - State Park Entry Fee - Exemptions

What the bill says

An act concerning Natural Resources - State Park Entry Fee - Exemptions FOR the purpose of altering the individuals and vehicles that may enter a State park without paying a certain fee on presentation of an accepted entrance document; and generally relating to exemptions from paying State park entry fees. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Natural Resources Section 5-1015 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).

From the enrolled text, May 5, 2026:

AN ACT concerning Natural Resources - State Park Entry Fee - Exemptions FOR the purpose of altering the individuals and vehicles that may enter a State park without paying a certain fee on presentation of an accepted entrance document; and generally relating to exemptions from paying State park entry fees. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Natural Resources Section 5-1015 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Natural Resources 5-1015. (a) IN THIS SECTION, "ACCEPTED ENTRANCE DOCUMENT" MEANS A VALID VETERAN IDENTIFICATION CARD, A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR OTHER STATE-ISSUED LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD THAT INDICATES THE HOLDER IS A VETERAN, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF IDENTIFICATION ACCEPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT THAT ESTABLISHES THE HOLDER' OR (2) FORMER MARYLAND NATIONAL GUARD STATUS IF THE HOLDER WAS DISCHARGED OR RELEASED UNDER CONDITIONS OTHER THAN DISHONORABLE. (B) On presentation of [a valid veteran identification card, a driver's license that indicates the license holder is a veteran, or any other form of identification accepted by the Department that establishes the holder's veteran status] AN ACCEPTED ENTRANCE DOCUMENT BY AN INDIVIDUAL: (1) [A veteran] THE INDIVIDUAL may enter a State park without paying any day-use entry fee that has …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bryan Simonaire (R, SD-031) · primary sponsor
• Dalya Attar (D, 41)
• Benjamin Brooks (D, 10)
• Mary Carozza (R, SD-038)
• Brian Feldman (D, SD-015)
• Katie Hester (D, SD-009)

Latest actions

1. April 28, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 337
2. April 13, 2026: Returned Passed
3. April 13, 2026: Third Reading Passed (131-0)
4. April 9, 2026: Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
5. April 8, 2026: Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
6. March 25, 2026: Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
7. February 13, 2026: Referred Environment and Transportation
8. February 12, 2026: Third Reading Passed (44-0)
9. February 10, 2026: Second Reading Passed with Amendments
10. February 10, 2026: Favorable with Amendments {273226/1 Adopted

Votes

• Third Reading Passed (131-0) (April 13, 2026): 131 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading Passed (44-0) (February 12, 2026): 44 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB161?

SB161 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Natural Resources - State Park Entry Fee - Exemptions.

What does SB161 do?

In its own words: An act concerning Natural Resources - State Park Entry Fee - Exemptions FOR the purpose of altering the individuals and vehicles that may enter a State park without paying a certain fee on presentation of an accepted entrance document; and generally relating to exemptions from paying State park entry fees. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Natural Resources Section 5-1015 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).

What is the status of SB161?

Signed into law as of April 28, 2026. Latest action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 337 (April 28, 2026).

Who sponsored SB161?

Bryan Simonaire (R, SD-031), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB161?

On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0161?ys=2026RS