SB 303
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 303 (Senator Patterson, et al.)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Health and Government Operations
General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration
Day
This bill requires the Governor to annually proclaim the fourth Thursday in March as
Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. The proclamation must urge educational and
cultural organizations to observe Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day through
appropriate and informative programs and activities.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Commemorating Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day does not affect
State finances.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: 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 303/ Page 2
 Additional Information
Prior Introductions: SB 20 of 2020 passed the Senate and was referred to the House
Health and Government Operations Committee, but no further action was taken. Its
cross file, HB 716, received a hearing in the House Health and Government Operations
Committee, but no further action was taken. HB 121 of 2018, a similar bill, received an
unfavorable report from the House Health and Government Operations Committee.
Designated Cross File: HB 586 (Delegate R. Watson) - Health and Government
Operations.
Information Source(s): Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - March 5, 2021
rh/jc Third Reader - March 22, 2021
Analysis by: Thomas S. Elder Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 303/ Page 3


Statutes affected:
Text - First - General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day: 7-402 General Provisions
Text - Third - General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day: 7-402 General Provisions