MD HB36

Replaces the term "clergyman" with "member of the clergy" throughout the Maryland Annotated Code to use gender-neutral language

Replaces "church" with "faith institution" in contexts referring to religious organizations, with the new definition explicitly including Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu congregations, and any other religious society or denomination

Replaces "church" with "place of worship" in contexts referring to physical buildings or locations, such as hunting safety zones, fire safety inspections, and fireworks plant setback requirements

Amends provisions across more than 20 articles of Maryland law, including Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Business Regulation, Commercial Law, Corporations and Associations, Criminal Law, Education, Environment, Family Law, Health, Labor and Employment, Natural Resources, Public Safety, Real Property, Tax, and Transportation

Takes effect October 1, 2026