Md. Code, General Provisions, Title 7

Md. Code, General Provisions, Title 7
in effect

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-102

(a) (1) The obverse of the Great Seal of Maryland depicts: (i) an equestrian figure of the Lord Proprietary arrayed in complete armor and holding a drawn sword; (ii) a horse wearing caparisons adorned with the family coat of arms for Lord Baltimore; and (iii) on the ground below the equestrian figure, a sparse growth of grass on sandy soil and a few small blue and yellow flowers. (2) The circle surrounding the obverse of the Great Seal of Maryland contains the Latin inscription “Caecilius Absolutus Dominus Terrae Mariae et Avaloniae Baro de Baltemore”, which means “Cecil Absolute Lord of Maryland and Avalon Baron of Baltimore”, referring to Lord Baltimore’s first settlement in the new world, on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. (b) (1) The reverse of the Great Seal of Maryland depicts: (i) the family coat of arms for Lord Baltimore, as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection; (ii) an Earl’s coronet placed above the shield indicating George Calvert’s status as an earl or a count palatine in Maryland, though only a baron in England; (iii) above the Earl’s coronet, a helmet set full–faced; (iv) above the helmet, the Calvert crest, which consists of two pennons, or pennants, supported by gules (red) staffs, issuing from the ducal coronet: 1. the dexter (right) pennon, of or (gold); and 2. the other pennon, of sable (black); (v) a plowman wearing a high–crowned, broad–brimmed beaver hat and holding one side of the shield with his left hand and a spade in his right hand; (vi) a fisherman wearing a knitted cap somewhat resembling a stocking cap and holding one side of the shield with his right hand and in his left hand a fish that is not specific to any species; and (vii) at the feet of the plowman and fisherman, a ribbon containing, in Italian, the Calvert family motto, “Fatti maschii parole femine”, which generally means “Strong deeds, gentle words”. (2) (i) The family coat of arms for Lord Baltimore is divided into quarters. (ii) The first and fourth quarters: 1. appear in the top–left and bottom–right quarters; 2. represent the coat of arms of the Calvert family; and 3. are a paly of six pieces, or (gold) and sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and black vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed. (iii) The second and third quarters: 1. appear in the top–right and bottom–left quarters; 2. show the coat of arms of the Crossland family, which Cecil Calvert inherited from his grandmother, Alicia, wife of Leonard Calvert, the father of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore; and 3. are quartered argent (silver) and gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of silver and red, charged with a cross bottony that has arms terminating in a button or a three–leaf clover and opposite coloring. (3) Behind and surrounding the depiction described in paragraph (1) of this subsection are: (i) an ermine–lined mantle; (ii) a circle around the seal containing the words “Scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos”, meaning “With favor wilt thou compass us as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12); and (iii) the date 1632, the year the Maryland charter was granted.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-104

(a) (1) The Governor may have the State seal: (i) to affix it to a certified copy of a law or resolution; (ii) to affix it to a communication from the State to the United States, another state, or a foreign country; or (iii) as needed for any other purpose provided by law. (2) Unless the Governor signs the document, the Governor may not affix the State seal to a document or allow the State seal to be affixed to a document issued by the Executive Branch of the State government. (b) The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House may have the State seal to affix it to a bill as required by law.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-202

(a) The State flag is divided into quarters. (b) The first and fourth quarters are a paly of six pieces, or (gold) and sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and black vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed. (c) The second and third quarters are quartered argent (white) and gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of white and red, charged with a Greek cross that has arms terminating in trefoils and opposite coloring so that red is on the white quarters and white is on the red quarters, as represented on the escutcheon of the State seal.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-204

(a) The flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown from the State House as provided in this section. (b) When the General Assembly is in session, the flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown continuously. (c) When the General Assembly is not in session, the flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown: (1) continuously on each day that the Governor designates as a public occasion; and (2) between sunrise and sunset on any other day when the weather permits. (d) The State flag shall be flown with the black stripe on the diagonal bands of the first quarter at the top of the flagstaff, as shown in the illustration of the State flag in “Chronicles of Colonial Maryland”.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-205

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Flag to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty” means: (i) a flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc.; or (ii) the flag designated by the United States Congress as the official symbol to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty. (3) “POW/MIA flag” means the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each year, the POW/MIA flag and a flag to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty shall be flown on the State House grounds on: (i) the third Saturday in May, for Armed Forces Day; (ii) May 30, for Memorial Day; (iii) the day that the United States Congress designates for the observance of Memorial Day, if other than May 30; (iv) the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to May 30, unless the United States Congress designates another day for the observance of Memorial Day, in which case, the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to the day designated by the United States Congress; (v) July 4, for Independence Day; (vi) the third Friday in September, for POW/MIA Recognition Day; (vii) November 11, for Veterans’ Day; (viii) the day that the United States Congress designates for the observance of Veterans’ Day, if other than November 11; and (ix) the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to November 11, unless the United States Congress designates another day for the observance of Veterans’ Day, in which case, the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to the day designated by the United States Congress. (2) If the United States Congress designates a flag as the official symbol to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty, the flag designated by Congress instead of the flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., shall be flown in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-206

A flag of the United States or a State flag that is displayed on State property and purchased with State money must be manufactured in the United States.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-207

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Eligible decedent” means: (i) an employee of the State or any political subdivision who died as a result of: 1. an accidental injury that arose out of and in the course of employment with the State or political subdivision; or 2. an injury caused by a willful or negligent act of a third person, directed against the employee in the course of employment with the State or political subdivision; (ii) a current or former constitutional officer, as defined in § 29–305 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; (iii) a current or former member of the General Assembly; (iv) a current or former Governor of the State; (v) a judge, as defined in § 1–101 of the Courts Article; (vi) an individual who currently holds or formerly held any of the positions identified in § 29–304 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; or (vii) any other individual whom the Governor designates through an executive order. (3) “Political subdivision” has the meaning stated in § 4–101 of this article. (4) “Wholly produced in the United States” means a flag that contains only: (i) materials and components that are grown, manufactured, or created entirely in the United States; (ii) processing components, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing, that are performed entirely in the United States; and (iii) materials that have been manufactured and assembled entirely in the United States. (b) (1) On request, the Secretary of State shall furnish a State flag to drape the casket of an eligible decedent. (2) The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations establishing a process to: (i) submit a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and (ii) verify that a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection is being made on behalf of an eligible decedent. (c) (1) After the burial of an eligible decedent, the flag shall be: (i) claimed by and provided to the eligible decedent’s next of kin; or (ii) provided to a close friend or an associate, if it is not claimed by the eligible decedent’s next of kin. (2) Only one flag may be provided for the death of an eligible decedent under this section. (d) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of State may not procure any flag under this section unless it is wholly produced in the United States. (2) The Secretary of State may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection if it cannot be met reasonably.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-318

(a) The Governor may designate a citizen of the State as its Poet Laureate. (b) (1) The Poet Laureate: (i) may not receive compensation as Poet Laureate; but (ii) subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, is entitled to reimbursement for any expenses incurred in the performance of duties as Poet Laureate. (2) Reimbursement under this subsection: (i) shall be paid from the General Emergency Fund of the Board of Public Works; and (ii) may not exceed $1,000 in any 1 fiscal year.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-401

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the day designated as new year on the Asian lunar calendar as Asian Lunar New Year Day. (b) Asian Lunar New Year Day is in recognition of the economic and cultural contributions of the many Marylanders for whom the lunar new year holds special significance.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-402

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim January 27 as Maryland Holocaust Remembrance Day. (b) The proclamation shall declare Maryland Holocaust Remembrance Day: (1) a day of reflection, recollection, and determination for Maryland families, educators, religious communities, political bodies, and media to remember the human tragedy that is the Holocaust; and (2) a pledge to spread the lessons and the reality of the Holocaust to future generations in an effort to ensure that we never forget and bear witness to the mass slaughter of human beings as a consequence of prejudice, bigotry, ignorance, and hate.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-403

The Governor annually shall proclaim March 9 as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in recognition of the service of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-404

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day through appropriate and informative programs and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-406

The Governor annually shall: (1) proclaim April 3 as Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day to honor the individuals in the State who have become crime victims and the advocates who serve those victims; and (2) take appropriate steps to publicize Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-410

The Governor annually shall proclaim the second Thursday in May as Maryland Centenarians Day in recognition of the lives of the State’s citizens who have reached the landmark age of 100 years.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-412

The Governor annually shall issue a proclamation encouraging the media, government units, business and recreational facilities, and citizens of the State to unite in remembrance and commemorate the heroic acts and efforts of Marylanders who have served and died in the United States armed forces by observing a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-413

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the first Sunday in June as the day to honor the fire, rescue, and emergency services workers of the State who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. (b) The Governor annually shall order the State flag to be flown at half–staff on the first Sunday in June. (c) On the first Sunday in June each year, memorial plaques containing the names of the fire, rescue, and emergency services workers who made the ultimate sacrifice shall be placed on the Maryland Fire–Rescue Services Memorial in the City of Annapolis by the Maryland Fire–Rescue Services Memorial Foundation, Inc.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-415

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim July 2 as Thurgood Marshall Day. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Thurgood Marshall Day properly.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-416

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim September 30 as Maryland Veterans Suicide Prevention Day. (b) The proclamation shall declare Maryland Veterans Suicide Prevention Day: (1) a day of reflection, recollection, and determination for Maryland veterans, service members, family members, and all Marylanders to remember the human tragedy that is associated with veteran suicide; and (2) a pledge to our veteran community to: (i) work to destigmatize mental health support; (ii) create more opportunities for those with mental health issues to speak freely and get the support they need; and (iii) encourage veterans to reach out for help.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-417

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim October 2 as South Asian American Heritage Day. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe South Asian American Heritage Day properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-418

The Governor annually shall proclaim October 5 as Dashain Day, a festival originating in Nepal that celebrates and symbolizes victory of good over evil. (a) The Governor annually shall proclaim October 15 as Poetry Day in recognition of the cultural and human values of poetry and poetic expression. (b) The proclamation shall urge cultural, educational, patriotic, and religious organizations to observe Poetry Day properly.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-419

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim October 15 as Poetry Day in recognition of the cultural and human values of poetry and poetic expression. (b) The proclamation shall urge cultural, educational, patriotic, and religious organizations to observe Poetry Day properly.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-501

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of February as Black History Month in recognition of the historical contributions that Black Americans have made to the State. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Black History Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-502

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Irish–American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Irish Americans have made to the State. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Irish–American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-503

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Women’s History Month in recognition of the historical contributions that women have made to the State. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Women’s History Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-504

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of August as Caribbean Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to the State. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Caribbean Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-505

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the month from September 15 to October 15, both inclusive, as Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to the State. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Hispanic Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-506

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of October as German–American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that German Americans have made to the State. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe German–American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-507

(a) In recognition of the contributions that American Indians have made to the State, the Governor annually shall proclaim November as American Indian Heritage Month. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe American Indian Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Md. Code, General Provisions § 7-601

(a) The Governor annually shall proclaim the second week in June as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week. (b) The proclamation shall urge educational and environmental organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and the Chesapeake Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Association, to observe Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week properly with appropriate events, activities, and programs designed to increase awareness of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the State, the region, and the United States.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026