Natural Resources - State Parks - Terminology

HB 404 amends Maryland law to update terminology related to state parks preserving underrepresented histories, replacing "[historical]" with "historical" in multiple sections. It specifically requires the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate with commissions focused on African American, Asian, Indigenous, and Hispanic/Latino history when establishing parks that interpret these histories. The bill creates "Freedman’s State Historical Park" in Montgomery County, mandating a stakeholder advisory committee with community representatives and requiring a report on suitable properties and funding by 2023. These changes directly affect state park planning, management, and partnerships involving historically underserved communities.