SB 25
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
Senate Bill 25 (Senator Eckardt)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Commemorative Days - Maryland Voting Equity Reform Day
This bill requires the Governor to annually proclaim the fourth Tuesday in October as
Maryland Voting Equity Reform Day.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Compliance with the bill does not affect State finances.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: Generally, “at-large” is the designation for members of a governing body
(e.g., a county) who are elected or appointed by the entire jurisdiction. Until 1986,
county councils were elected at-large by the entire county, rather than for local
representation within a district. Chapters 707 and 708 of 1986, among other things,
eliminated the practice of at-large voting for county commissioners and implemented
single-member districts.
Sixteen official commemorative days, seven months, and one week are recognized in State
law, as shown in Exhibit 1. The Governor also must issue a proclamation each year
encouraging citizens and other individuals to observe a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. on
Memorial Day to unite in remembrance and commemorate the heroic acts and efforts of
Marylanders who have served and died in the U.S. Armed Forces.
 Exhibit 1
Official Commemorative Days and Months in Maryland
Asian Lunar New Year Day1 January/February
Black History Month February
Irish-American Heritage Month March
Women’s History Month March
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day March 30
Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day April 3
John Hanson’s Birthday2 April 13
National Healthcare Decisions Day April 16
Maryland Centenarians Day3 May
Negro Baseball League Day4 May
Law Day U.S.A. May 1
Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Workers Day5 June
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week6 June
Juneteenth National Freedom Day June 19
Maryland Charter Day June 20
Thurgood Marshall Day July 2
Caribbean Heritage Month August
Hispanic Heritage Month7 September/October
German-American Heritage Month October
South Asian American Heritage Day October 2
Poetry Day October 15
American Indian Heritage Month November
Maryland Emancipation Day November 1
Annapolis Charter Day December 17
1
Day designated as new year on the Asian lunar calendar.
2
John Hanson served as the first president of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation
from 1781 to 1782.
3
Commemorated on the second Thursday in May.
4
Commemorated on the second Saturday in May.
5
Commemorated on the first Sunday in June.
6
Commemorated during the second week in June.
7
Commemorated from September 15 to October 15.
Source: Department of Legislative Services
SB 25/ Page 2
 Additional Information
Prior Introductions: SB 464 of 2020 received a hearing in the Senate Education, Health,
and Environmental Affairs Committee, but no further action was taken. Its cross file,
HB 950, received a hearing in the House Health and Government Operations Committee,
but no further action was taken.
Designated Cross File: HB 300 (Dorchester County Delegation) - Health and
Government Operations.
Information Source(s): Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 24, 2021
rh/jc
Analysis by: Thomas S. Elder Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 25/ Page 3


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Commemorative Days - Maryland Voting Equity Reform Day: 7-416 General Provisions