Bill > HB521

This bill modifies Maryland's state procurement law to explicitly include antisemitism as a form of discrimination, expanding the state's existing commercial nondiscrimination policy. The bill defines antisemitism as a perception of Jews that may be expressed through hatred, including rhetorical and physical manifestations directed at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, or Jewish community and religious institutions. Under the new provisions, businesses seeking state contracts must certify that they have not engaged in discrimination, which now explicitly includes antisemitism. This means that if a business is found to have discriminated against someone based on antisemitic beliefs, they could be rejected for state contracts or have existing contracts terminated. The bill requires businesses to provide a list of any past legal determinations of discrimination within the last four years when submitting a bid or proposal. The new law will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to prevent the state from inadvertently supporting businesses that practice discriminatory behavior, particularly those displaying antisemitic attitudes or actions.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0521?ys=2025RS