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Bill > SB24
MD SB24
Annotated Code - Terminology - Clergy and Churches, Faith Institutions, and Places of Worship
summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Altering certain terminology throughout the Annotated Code that refers to a clergyman to refer to a member of the clergy and churches to refer to faith institutions and places of worship; and defining "faith institution" as any Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu congregation, or any other religious society, congregation, or denomination.
AI Summary
This bill updates terminology throughout the Maryland Annotated Code, replacing terms like "church" with "faith institution" and "clergyman" with "member of the clergy" across multiple articles of law. The changes aim to use more inclusive and gender-neutral language when referring to religious organizations and religious leaders. The bill defines "faith institution" as including Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu congregations, as well as other religious societies, congregations, or denominations. These updates apply to various legal contexts, including references in articles about alcoholic beverages, business regulation, commercial law, corporations, criminal law, education, health, labor, and transportation. The modifications are largely technical, replacing outdated terminology while maintaining the original legal meanings and intent of the existing statutes. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, allowing time for legal practitioners and institutions to adapt to the new terminology.
Committee Categories
Education, Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Rules and Executive Nominations Hearing (15:00:00 3/24/2025 ) (on 03/24/2025)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0024?ys=2025RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0024t.pdf |
| Floor Amendment 353520/1 (Senator Kagan) Adopted | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/amds/bil_0004/sb0024_35352001.pdf |
| Favorable with Amendments 793825/1 | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/amds/bil_0004/sb0024_79382501.pdf |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/votes_comm/sb0024_eee.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0024f.pdf |
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