SB 936
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
Senate Bill 936 (Senator Jackson)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Overdose Awareness Day
This bill requires the Governor to annually proclaim August 31 as Overdose Awareness
Day. The Governor must order the State flag to be flown at half-staff on August 31.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Commemorating Overdose Awareness Day does not affect State finances.
Local Effect: The bill does not materially affect local government operations or finances.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law:
Commemorative Days
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 936/ Page 2
Protocol for the Maryland State Flag – Mourning
Per executive order and as reflected in the Code of Maryland Regulations, by order of the
Governor (or an authorized representative), the Maryland flag must be flown at half-staff
upon the death of present or former government officials or State and national leaders and
on other occasions as the Governor (or an authorized representative) directs. The Maryland
flag should be flown at half-staff when ordered by county and municipal government
officials on all property under their jurisdiction. On Memorial Day, the U.S. and Maryland
flag are displayed at half-staff until noon only.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Governor’s Office; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - March 10, 2021
rh/jc
Analysis by: Thomas S. Elder Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 936/ Page 3


Statutes affected:
Text - First - General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Overdose Awareness Day: 7-414 General Provisions