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SB 562

An Act amending the act of December 5, 1936 (2nd Sp.Sess., 1937 P.L.2897, No.1), known as the Unemployment Compensation Law, in compensation, further providing for benefits based on service for educational institutions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 10 co-sponsors

Designates the Original Maryland Orange Crush as Maryland's official state cocktail, effective June 1, 2025; a symbolic recognition with no regulatory or fiscal impact.

Referred to Labor & Industry
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Bill Summary · SB 562

SB 562 — State Designations: State Cocktail — "Original Maryland Orange Crush"

Overview / Purpose

SB 562 designates the Original Maryland Orange Crush as the official State cocktail of Maryland. The bill recognizes the drink’s origin (credited to 1995 at Harborside Bar & Grill in Ocean City) and adds a statutory designation to the General Provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statutory section (to be codified as Section 7‑313 in Article — General Provisions) stating: “The Original Maryland Orange Crush is the State cocktail.”
  • Renumbers existing Section 7‑313 through 7‑319 to 7‑314 through 7‑320, respectively, to accommodate the new placement.
  • Includes a preamble referencing the cocktail’s origin in Ocean City.
  • Effective date: the Act takes effect June 1, 2025.

Who is affected / Practical impact

  • Primary effect is symbolic/cultural: the designation is an official state recognition intended to celebrate a regional beverage and support Maryland culinary and tourism identity.
  • No regulatory requirements, licensing changes, or new programmatic duties are created by the law.
  • Businesses (bars, restaurants, tourism promoters) may use the designation in marketing, but the law does not confer special privileges or mandates on producers or sellers.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • The Department of Legislative Services fiscal note reports that designating a State cocktail does not materially affect State finances; no state or local fiscal impact is expected.
  • No ongoing administrative obligations or funding are attached to the designation.

Procedural status & timeline

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025 (Assigned to Education, Energy, and the Environment).
  • Passed both chambers and transmitted to the Governor (documents indicate it was ordered enrolled, delivered to the Governor on April 10, 2025).
  • Act number / enactment: Notification indicates SB 562 became Act 704.
  • Effective date of the law: June 1, 2025.

Sponsors and related measures

  • Sponsors (Senate): Senators Hershey, Mautz, and Carozza (listed in bill text); fiscal note references Senator Hershey et al.
  • Companion / related: HB 1001 is noted as a companion bill.

Summary: SB 562 is a short, ceremonial statute that formally names the Original Maryland Orange Crush as the State cocktail, takes effect June 1, 2025, and carries no fiscal or regulatory consequences beyond its symbolic recognition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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