Industry group highlights potential administrative burdens and state costs from House Bill 994, urging targeted, consumer-focused solutions
Thursday, March 26, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is warning industry members about Maryland House Bill 994, which would impose new financial security requirements on certain sellers of travel. H.B. 994 was approved by the Maryland House of Delegates earlier this week and is now under consideration by the Maryland Senate Finance Committee.
The legislation would require travel sellers to:
- Maintain financial security instruments, such as surety bonds or other forms of coverage, regardless of existing financial oversight or business model;
- Register with the state and pay ongoing fees, creating new administrative and compliance obligations; and
- Submit to state oversight and reporting requirements, which may duplicate existing regulatory frameworks and impose additional operational complexity.
Similar regulatory regimes exist in states such as California and Florida, where “seller of travel” laws impose registration and financial responsibility requirements. However, those frameworks are often more tailored and include clearer consumer restitution mechanisms.
Travel Tech previously submitted comments to lawmakers noting that the bill could create unnecessary and duplicative regulatory requirements for established travel technology companies, including online travel agencies, metasearch platforms, and travel management companies—many of which already operate under significant financial oversight.
“Travel Tech supports strong consumer protections, but policies should be carefully tailored to address real risks,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “As drafted, this legislation risks imposing new administrative burdens without clear consumer benefit.”
The bill now moves to the Maryland Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Travel Tech will continue engaging with policymakers to encourage a more targeted approach that protects consumers while avoiding unnecessary costs and complexity for businesses and the state.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact rtownsend@belverapartners.com.
