The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the passage of the Muslim and Jewish American Heritage Month bill and the Youth Charging Reform Act, calling both measures meaningful steps toward building a safer, more inclusive and just Maryland. Both bills are among CAIR’s legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session.
SEE: Legislative roundup: Heritage Over Hate
SEE: After more than a decade, youth charging bill passes, heads to governor’s desk
Video: CAIR Testimony on Youth Charging Reform Act
Video: CAIR Testimony on Muslim & Jewish American Heritage Month Bill
CAIR praised lawmakers for advancing these measures that both celebrate the state’s rich diversity and strengthen fairness within its justice system. Juvenile justice reform and countering Islamophobia are critical priorities for the civil rights organization.
The organization formally testified in support of both measures, working alongside coalition partners and community advocates to help secure their passage.
The Heritage Month bill establishes January as ‘Muslim American Heritage Month’ and May as ‘Jewish American Heritage Month’ with statewide recognition of the histories, cultures, and contributions of both communities to foster education, understanding, and mutual respect across Maryland.
In its testimony, CAIR emphasized that in its 2026 civil rights report, the National office documented an unprecedented number of anti-Muslim hate crimes, bias incidents and complaints. Many of its Jewish allies and partners in the advocacy space have also experienced antisemitism. Heritage months are an opportunity to humanize, celebrate and showcase Muslim and Jewish communities’ diversity and contributions.
The Youth Charging Reform Act represents a nearly 15-year long-awaited reform to Maryland’s juvenile justice system by reducing the number of offenses for which youth are automatically charged as adults. It expands the role of the juvenile court system, ensuring that more young people are given access to age-appropriate interventions and judicial discretion.
The passed version of the bill raises the age of when a youth could be tried as an adult for most crimes from 14 to 16. It specifies that cases of 16-year-olds charged with some offenses would first start in juvenile court.
The bill also incorporates measures CAIR supported that mostly prohibit youth charged as adults from being detained or confined in an adult prison. Alabama is the only state in the nation that automatically charges more youth as adults and sends them to adult court than Maryland.
“The passage of these bills is a victory for everyone who values dignity, equity and inclusion,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “As Islamophobia and antisemitism continue to rise, recognizing Muslim and Jewish American Heritage Months will help affirm the vital contributions of these communities, while youth justice reforms help make sure that our legal system treats young people with fairness and an opportunity for rehabilitation. While the work to maintain optimal reforms continues, CAIR joins legislators, bill sponsors, and community partners in celebrating this meaningful progress.”
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to continue to advance policies that promote justice, protect civil rights and uplift its communities.
Both bills now head to Governor Wes Moore’s desk for his signature. He is expected to sign both measures into law.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]