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Delegation pauses mandatory school-holiday bill after questions about Holi and constitutional issues
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Summary
Delegates held a proposed mandatory school-holiday bill after hearing opposition from the Indian Cultural Association that Holi was excluded and after discussing possible constitutional issues. Members suggested seeking more input and exploring replacing Easter Monday with Holi as one option.
The Howard County delegation paused consideration of a proposed mandatory school-holiday bill after members raised concerns about the exclusion of Holi and potential constitutional problems. The chair said the Indian Cultural Association had submitted opposition testimony noting Holi was not included; delegates discussed religious-establishment questions and the need for additional community input.
Delegates noted the bill's alignment (or not) with HCPSS practices: Diwali is already on the local school system's calendar, and members suggested the delegation should consider syncing any changes with HCPSS. One delegate proposed substituting Holi for Easter Monday to retain parity in the number of holidays; others noted Easter Monday is listed in state law governing school holidays, which complicates unilateral local changes.
Members concluded the matter is complex and agreed to hold the bill so they can solicit additional input from the Indian community, the school system and other county entities before moving forward.
