Senator Mary Washington told the Senate Finance Committee Jan. 15 that Senate Bill 163 would replace the term “mental hygiene” with “mental health” throughout Maryland law and regulations to reduce stigma and improve clarity. Michael Gray, deputy director of NAMI Maryland, testified in support and described why the change matters to people living with mental-health conditions.

Why it matters: Witnesses said the phrase “mental hygiene” carries historical connotations—rooted in earlier public-health movements and at times associated with stigmatizing ideas—that can perpetuate harm. Advocates argued that updating statutory language would promote dignity and reduce confusion between behavioral-health and substance-use terminology.

Transcript details: Washington said there are nine instances in code that would be changed and that a prior, similar change in state code required no additional funds. The fiscal note referenced in the hearing estimated an implementation cost of about $93,000 for regulatory updates, but MDH staff told senators they expect the department can implement the change with existing resources and that the work is largely a “search and replace” across regulations. Washington suggested the committee consider a modest delay in the effective date—six months was suggested as a possible accommodation for regulatory work.

Committee response: Committee members asked about the effective date and the department’s capacity to implement the changes. Michael Gray of NAMI testified, “Words matter,” and described how the combined phrase can convey derogatory implications; he urged a favorable report. The committee concluded the bill hearing with no recorded votes in the transcript.