Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ohv Oversight Board topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate bill to create Off‑Highway Vehicle oversight board advances with DNR support
Summary
Sen. Mike McKay presented SB711 to create an oversight board for the Off‑Highway Vehicle (OHV) tax fund, expand allowable uses for certain facilities, and give user groups a formal role. Supporters, including the Maryland OHV Alliance, said the fund is self‑sustaining and helps local economies; DNR offered amendments and support.
Sen. Mike McKay told the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 27 that SB711 would create an oversight board for the Off‑Highway Vehicle (OHV) title tax fund and provide users a formal seat with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to guide use of the fund. "The creation of this oversight board as written is common among DNR funds designated for special purposes," McKay said.
McKay said the OHV tax fund is funded by vehicle sales and is the principal source for trail creation and maintenance. The bill, as amended in the Senate, would expand the fund’s allowable uses beyond trails to include camps, parking lots and other amenities related to OHV facilities. McKay said that change would help OHV sites be more self‑funding and reduce pressure on DNR’s general fund.
Steve Linsonmeyer, board member of the Maryland OHV Alliance, described two existing OHV properties — St. John's Rock State Forest and Wolf Den Run State Park in Garrett County — and reported economic benefits tied to those sites. "These two parks alone raise about $2.5 million annually for the economy," Linsonmeyer said, adding the alliance represents more than 15,000 OHV community members and has seen roughly 10,000 visitors to the state parks since opening.
Committee members asked what kinds of vehicles the measure covers. Testimony from McKay and Linsonmeyer clarified the statute’s scope includes ATVs, side‑by‑sides (utility task vehicles), off‑road motorcycles and similar vehicles; witnesses said some OHV activity can include snowmobiles when local conditions and trail rules allow.
McKay said DNR submitted amendments that the Senate adopted and that DNR supports the bill as amended. No formal committee vote was recorded at the hearing.
Ending: Supporters urged a favorable recommendation so users who fund the OHV tax have formal input into funding and facility decisions; DNR’s support and the Senate amendments were highlighted as steps to implementation.
