SB 667
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
Senate Bill 667 (Senator Rosapepe)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Dashain Day
This bill requires the Governor to annually proclaim October 14 as Dashain Day, which is
a festival originating in parts of South Asia that celebrates and symbolizes the victory of
good over evil.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Commemorating Dashain 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 667/ Page 2
 Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 676 (Delegate Bhandari) - Health and Government
Operations.
Information Source(s): Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - March 5, 2021
rh/jc
Analysis by: Thomas S. Elder Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 667/ Page 3


Statutes affected:
Text - First - General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Dashain Day: 7-415 General Provisions