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Bill

HB 160

State and Local Government - Real Property - Confederate Naming Prohibited

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dylan Behler and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland prohibits state and local governments from naming public property after Confederate figures or symbols, establishing uniform statewide policy on commemoration.

Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 160

Legislative bill overview

HB 160 would prohibit Maryland state and local governments from naming or renaming public property—including buildings, parks, roads, and facilities—after Confederate figures, symbols, or the Confederacy itself. The bill establishes a statewide standard preventing the creation of new Confederate-related names and applies to all government-owned real property.

Why is this important

Several Maryland communities have debated removing Confederate monuments and renaming public spaces, making this bill relevant to ongoing national conversations about public commemoration and historical memory. The legislation would create uniform state policy rather than leaving naming decisions to individual municipalities, potentially preventing prolonged local disputes and ensuring consistency across jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical preservation vs. erasure: Opponents may argue the bill constitutes historical erasure or limits public discourse about the Civil War, while supporters contend government property shouldn't honor those who fought to preserve slavery
  • Scope and existing names: Unclear whether the bill applies only to future naming or requires renaming of existing Confederate-associated properties, which could trigger significant costs and administrative burden
  • Free speech concerns: Some may raise First Amendment arguments about restricting government naming practices, though courts typically grant governments broad authority over their own property designations

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

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