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HB 67

State Government - State House Trust - Ten Commandments Monument Display Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ric Metzgar

Maryland bill HB 67 authorizes displaying a Ten Commandments monument on State House grounds, raising Establishment Clause constitutional questions and potential litigation costs.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 67

Legislative bill overview

HB 67 would authorize the display of a Ten Commandments monument on State House grounds in Maryland. The bill appears to permit installation and maintenance of this religious monument as a historical or cultural display, though specific provisions regarding placement, funding, and religious context are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

This bill raises significant constitutional questions about the separation of church and state at the state government level. Display of religious monuments on public property has generated substantial litigation nationwide, making this decision potentially costly for the state depending on legal challenges and court rulings.

Potential points of contention

  • Establishment Clause concerns: The First Amendment's Establishment Clause prohibits government endorsement of religion; courts have inconsistently ruled on Ten Commandments displays, with outcomes depending on context, historical framing, and surrounding monuments
  • Viewpoint neutrality and religious preference: Displaying one religious text may raise equity questions about whether other religious or secular monuments would receive equal consideration
  • Taxpayer funding: Public resources spent on installation, maintenance, and potential litigation costs could be contested by constituents opposed to religious monument displays on government property

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

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