Declaration of Rights - Religious Freedom, Religious Tests, and Oaths and Affirmations

HB 822 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove outdated language requiring belief in God from Maryland's Declaration of Rights. Specifically, it would delete provisions in Articles 36 (affecting jury service and witness testimony), 37 (affecting public office qualifications), and 39 (affecting oath administration) that courts have already ruled unconstitutional. The bill aims to align Maryland's constitution with existing Supreme Court precedents, such as *Torcaso v. Watkins* and *Schowgurow v. State*, which struck down similar religious tests. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this amendment would formally remove these references from the state constitution.