Docket Room.
HB 356·MD·house

Human Relations - Protection of the Free Exercise of Religion

FailedFiled Jan 19, 2026
Sponsor: Schmidt
Latest Action

Hearing (House)

Feb 17, 2026

Summary

The bill adds a new Religious Freedom subtitle to the state code, prohibiting state, county, or municipal authorities from imposing substantial burdens on a person’s exercise of religion. A burden is allowed only if the government can prove a compelling interest and that the action is the least restrictive way to achieve it. Affected individuals or religious organizations could sue for injunctions and damages, including attorney’s fees.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Ask about HB 356

3 free questions a day, no account

Hearings

History

  1. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
  2. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

Sponsors

  • Schmidt · sponsor
  • Rosenberg

Bill text

Read the official text ↗

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

Similar bills in other states

Loading the map of where bills like this one were filed.

Share

Writing about this bill? Add a live status widget to your site or newsletter. It updates as the bill moves.

Track this bill

Get an email when HB 356 moves: committee action, floor votes, amendments and hearings. Free, no card.

Track HB 356 free

Or ask your AI assistant about HB 356 directly:

Add to Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor
Docket Room · Nonpartisan legislative tracking
Docket Room IntelligencePro

Ask about your legislation

I can analyze your tracked bills, upcoming hearings, and recent changes.

AI-generated · Nonpartisan · Not legal advice