Bill
SJ 3
Declares DEI essential to the American Dream and urges adoption by public and private bodies to expand opportunity and protect freedom of expression.
Status
- Bill type: Senate Joint Resolution (non‑binding policy statement)
- Introduced: January 8, 2025 (First Reader Jan 22, 2025)
- Committee assignment: Education, Energy, and the Environment (Senate); Transportation (House)
- Procedural developments: Committee hearings and reports in both chambers; passed both chambers; enrolled and signed by presiding officers; filed with the Secretary of State on April 8, 2025. A hearing was scheduled for March 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
- Sponsors / cross file: Text shows Senator Benson as author; official sponsor listing includes Barry Usher (primary). Companion/related bill: HJ 4 (Delegate Martinez, et al.). Replaces LC 180.
Purpose and intent
- SJ 3 affirms Maryland’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as an essential foundation for achieving the "American Dream." The resolution is a formal statement encouraging Maryland and other public and private entities to adopt DEI principles that expand opportunity, remove barriers, and protect freedom of expression so that all individuals can pursue prosperity and realize their potential.
Key provisions and language
- Declares that DEI:
- Is rooted in American history and civil‑rights progress (cites examples such as the 19th Amendment, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act).
- Promotes equal access to opportunity, belonging, and participation for individuals regardless of background.
- Removes barriers so merit and opportunity are more widely accessible.
- Affirms the importance of freedom of speech and expression and states that attacks on DEI can infringe on free expression, reduce diversity of perspectives, and conflict with anti‑discrimination laws.
- States that efforts to attack DEI are harmful to both the economy and public health/well‑being.
- Encourages local, State, and federal policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold DEI principles.
- Directs that certified copies of the resolution be sent to specified federal leaders (President, Vice President, congressional leaders) and to Maryland’s Governor, legislative leaders, and congressional delegation.
Fiscal and legal impact
- Fiscal note: No direct fiscal effect on State, local governments, or small businesses. The resolution is declaratory and does not create enforceable legal rights or obligations nor amend statute.
- Legal effect: Non‑binding policy statement (a joint resolution expressing the General Assembly’s position and encouraging action by others).
Who is affected
- Primarily symbolic and directed at policymakers, educational institutions, employers, and other organizations; it may inform public debate and guide institutional policy priorities but imposes no regulatory or funding mandates.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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