The Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026, which could regulate the ability of charitable organizations to participate in partisan activity, has been heavily debated in the Maryland Senate. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-Montgomery) and Senate President Bill Ferguson, could potentially impact the historically important voice of Black churches. Some Black lawmakers expressed concern that it could have a "chilling effect" on the historically significant voice of the Black Church. However, others argued that it would not impact speech in religious institutions that serve as a public square for many as African Americans. The Johnson amendment, which prohibits 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits from engaging in partisan politics in exchange for tax-excess status, has already been in place for 60 years, but the Trump administration has moved towards weakening the rule. The emergency bill would take effect if that happened.