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MD HB1589
MD HB1589Certificates of Birth, Licenses, and Identification Cards - Sex Designation (Birth Certificate Modernization Act)
summary
Introduced
02/15/2026
02/15/2026
In Committee
02/15/2026
02/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Altering the circumstances under which the Secretary of Health is required to make a new certificate of birth due to the change of a sex designation of an individual; establishing requirements and a prohibition related to the making of new certificates of birth; and altering the options for indicating an individual's sex designation on a license, identification card, or moped operator's permit issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
AI Summary
This bill, the Birth Certificate Modernization Act, updates the process for issuing new birth certificates when an individual's sex designation changes, and also modifies how sex is indicated on state-issued identification. Specifically, it allows individuals to request a new birth certificate with a different sex designation by submitting a written request, under penalty of perjury, without requiring a statement from a healthcare practitioner about medical treatment or diagnosis, though a court order for sex change is still an option. Furthermore, the bill introduces "Unspecified or Another" as a sex designation option on birth certificates, which will be marked with an "X" if chosen, and also allows this "X" designation on driver's licenses, identification cards, and moped operator's permits issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration, with these changes taking effect on October 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations (on 02/15/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1589?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1589f.pdf |
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