HB 39
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
House Bill 39 (Delegate Shetty)
Judiciary Judicial Proceedings
Action for Change of Name - Waiver of Publication Requirement
This bill requires a court, on motion by an individual who has filed an action for change of
name under Maryland Rule 15-901, to waive the publication requirement set forth in the
Rule.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill is procedural in nature and does not materially affect the workload
of the Judiciary. Revenues are not affected.
Local Effect: The bill is procedural in nature and does not materially affect the workload
of the circuit courts. Revenues are not affected.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Current Law: Maryland Rule 15-901 sets forth procedures for a change of name other
than in connection with an adoption or divorce. An action for a change of name must be
brought in the county where the person who wants the name change resides. Upon the filing
of a petition for a change of name, the court clerk must issue a notice that includes the
caption of the action, the substance of the petition and the relief sought, and the latest date
by which an objection to the petition may be filed. Unless the court on motion of the
petitioner orders otherwise, the notice must be published one time in a newspaper of
general circulation, as specified.
After the time for filing objections and responses has expired, the court may either hold a
hearing or rule on the petition without a hearing and must enter an appropriate order.
A petition may not be denied without a hearing if one was requested by the petitioner.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 427 of 2020 passed the House and was referred to the Senate
Judicial Proceedings Committee, but no further action was taken.
Designated Cross File: SB 581 (Senator Hettleman) - Judicial Proceedings.
Information Source(s): Judiciary (Administrative Office of the Courts); Department of
Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 11, 2021
rh/jkb Third Reader - February 12, 2021
Analysis by: Tyler Allard Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 39/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Action for Change of Name - Waiver of Publication Requirement: 32-201 Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Text - Third - Action for Change of Name - Waiver of Publication Requirement: 32-201 Courts and Judicial Proceedings