WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 169

SB 169 — State Designations: Symbol of Remembrance for September 11 — Freedom Flag

Status: First Reading, Education, Energy, and the Environment (Introduced Jan 8, 2025; effective date Oct 1, 2025)

Main purpose

Designate the Freedom Flag as Maryland’s official State symbol of remembrance for the September 11, 2001 attacks. The bill gives formal statutory recognition to the flag as a memorial symbol.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statutory subsection to Article — General Provisions (codified as § 7‑319) that states:
    • “THE FREEDOM FLAG, DESIGNED AND CREATED BY RICHARD NICHOLAS MELITO OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, TO MEMORIALIZE THE VICTIMS OF THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, IS THE STATE SYMBOL OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11.”
  • Renumbers the existing § 7‑319 to § 7‑320 to accommodate the new provision.
  • Establishes the Freedom Flag designation as a symbolic, commemorative recognition (no programmatic duties or regulatory requirements created).

Who or what is affected

  • Primarily symbolic: state agencies, institutions, schools, and civic groups may reference or display the Freedom Flag as Maryland’s official symbol of remembrance.
  • No new regulatory responsibilities for state agencies are created by the designation itself.

Fiscal and policy impact

  • Department of Legislative Services fiscal analysis: designating a State symbol of remembrance “does not materially affect State finances.” No anticipated cost to local governments or small businesses.
  • The measure is largely honorary and ceremonial.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced (pre-filed Sept 27, 2024; introduced Jan 8, 2025).
  • Assigned to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee (first reading).
  • Cross-file / companion: HB 16.
  • Stated effective date in the bill: October 1, 2025.

Practical effect

SB 169 officially recognizes the Freedom Flag as Maryland’s memorial symbol for 9/11. The change is symbolic — intended for recognition in proclamations, educational uses, and public ceremonies — and does not create mandates or new state expenditures.

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

Sign in to ask a question.