Bill > HB36

This bill amends various Maryland laws to replace the term "church" with the broader term "faith institution," which is defined as any Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu congregation, or any other religious society, congregation, or denomination. This change aims to make the terminology more inclusive and reflective of a wider range of religious organizations across different articles of the Annotated Code, including those related to alcoholic beverages and cannabis, business regulation, commercial law, corporations and associations, courts and judicial proceedings, criminal law, economic development, education, environment, family law, general provisions, health, health occupations, labor and employment, natural resources, public safety, real property, state government, tax, and transportation. The bill also makes conforming changes to related phrases, such as "church or religious denomination" to "faith institution" and "clergyman" to "member of the clergy." The Act is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0036?ys=2026RS