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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland Adopts "The Heart of Maryland" as Official State Song
Last action · February 16, 2026: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsors: Ben Brooks and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
Senate Bill 191 designates "The Heart of Maryland," written by Jayla Elise, as the official Maryland State song, effective October 1, 2026.
Changes only the official state song following the repeal of the prior anthem in 2021, with no accompanying funding or service changes.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Maryland residents
Residents receive a new official state song to replace the anthem repealed in 2021.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new official State song of Maryland?
When does this change take effect?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
5 actions- Feb 16, 2026SenateHearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 16, 2026SenateHearing canceled
- Feb 16, 2026SenateHearing 2/16 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 14, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
- Sep 16, 2025SenateIntroducedPre-filed
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance15How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy5Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment0Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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