HB 1168
2012 Session
HB 1168 Bill Text http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/bills/hb/hb1168f.pdf
CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
HOUSE BILL 1168
By: Delegates Lee and Pena–Melnyk
[NOTE- These same two legislators attempted to pass Lyme bills in 2010, however, the bills never made it out of the original Committee.]
Introduced and read first time: February 10, 2012
Assigned to: Health and Government Operations
A BILL ENTITLED
AN ACT concerning
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State Government – Commemorative Months – Lyme Disease Awareness
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Month
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FOR the purpose of requiring the Governor to proclaim a certain month as Lyme
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Disease Awareness Month.
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BY adding to
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Article – State Government
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Section 13–504
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Annotated Code of Maryland
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(2009 Replacement Volume and 2011 Supplement)
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Preamble
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WHEREAS, The health and well–being of the citizens of Maryland is of the
utmost importance; and
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WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme
disease is the most common rapidly emerging infectious disease not limited to age,
ethnicity, or geographical area; and
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WHEREAS, Ticks transmitting Lyme disease can be found in woods, parks,
yards, and on beaches throughout Maryland and the United States; and
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WHEREAS, Increasing numbers of new cases of Lyme disease are reported each
year in Maryland and across the United States, while numerous cases go unreported
or undetected; and
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WHEREAS, Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick infected with the
bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi which often results in early symptoms, such as a
bull’s–eye rash, a fever, aching or stiff muscles and joints, a headache, and fatigue;
and
WHEREAS, As an illness caused by the painless bite of a tiny deer tick, Lyme
disease causes serious problems involving the heart, joints, and nervous system in
humans and animals; and
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WHEREAS, Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose because it imitates other
conditions and there is no reliable test to determine infection; and
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WHEREAS, Detection of the disease is difficult because early symptoms vary
and will disappear only to later reappear in a more serious and difficult–to–treat form;
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WHEREAS, Checking for ticks and proper tick removal are imperative, and if
done correctly and promptly, can aid in the prevention of the disease; and
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WHEREAS, All citizens of Maryland should become educated and aware of the
signs and symptoms, prevention tactics, and treatment of Lyme disease; now,
therefore,
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SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
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Article – State Government
13–504.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR INCREASED AWARENESS OF LYME DISEASE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF MAY EACH YEAR AS LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH.
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SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2012.
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Full Text of Bill
http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/bills/hb/hb1168f.pdf
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Fiscal and Policy Note
HB 1168
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2012 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
House Bill 1168 (Delegates Lee and Pena-Melnyk)
Health and Government Operations
State Government - Commemorative Months - Lyme Disease Awareness Month
This bill requires the Governor to annually proclaim the month of May as Lyme Disease
Awareness Month, in recognition of the need for increased awareness of the disease.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Commemorating Lyme Disease Awareness Month does not affect State
finances.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: Eight official commemorative days and three months are recognized in
State law as shown in Exhibit 1. The Governor also must issue a proclamation each year
encouraging citizens and other individuals to observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on
Memorial Day to unite in remembrance and commemorate the heroic acts and efforts of Marylanders who have served and died in the U.S. armed forces.
Background: Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an
infected tick. It is most prevalent in the mid-Atlantic region. Symptoms include fever,
headache, fatigue, and skin rash. Most cases are successfully treated with antibiotics, but untreated Lyme disease can spread to the heart and the nervous system.
HB 1168/ Page 2
Maryland is ranked the eighth highest in the nation for incidence of Lyme disease. In
2010, there were 1,163 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Maryland, accounting for
5% of the nation’s cases. May is typically observed as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Exhibit 1
Official Commemorative Days and Months in Maryland
[NOTE- This list only reflects designated dates and months that were established from 1996 forward.]
Asian Lunar New Year Day1 January/February
Black History Month February
Women’s History Month March
John Hanson’s Birthday2 April 13
Negro Baseball League Day3 May
Law Day May 1
Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Workers Day4 June
Maryland Charter Day June 20
Hispanic Heritage Month5 September/October
Poetry Day October 15
Annapolis Charter Day December 17
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Day designated as new year on the Asian lunar calendar.
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John Hanson served as the first president of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation from 1781 to 1782.
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Commemorated on the second Saturday in May.
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Commemorated on the first Sunday in June.
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Commemorated from September 15 to October 15.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of
Legislative Services
HB 1168/ Page 3
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - March 1, 2012
mlm/hlb
Analysis by: Caroline L. Boice Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
Full Text of Fiscal Notes:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/fnotes/bil_0008/hb1168.pdf