Maryland lawmakers will return to Annapolis from August 3 through August 5 for a special legislative session focused on congressional redistricting. Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk announced that the General Assembly will consider a proposed constitutional amendment clarifying the standards that apply when Maryland draws congressional districts.
The session will not include consideration of a new congressional map. Instead, lawmakers will debate whether to place a constitutional amendment on the November general election ballot. If the proposal receives approval from three-fifths of both the House and Senate, Maryland voters will make the final decision on the proposed constitutional changes.
The effort follows continuing legal uncertainty surrounding congressional redistricting. In 2022, a judge rejected the congressional map approved during a December 2021 special session, finding that it violated the Maryland Constitution and amounted to extreme partisan gerrymandering. Legislative leaders have said a clearer and more durable constitutional framework is needed in light of that ruling and other recent court decisions affecting voting rights and redistricting.
Governor Wes Moore welcomed the decision to reconvene, saying his administration will work with lawmakers to protect voting rights and fair representation. Moore has pushed for action on redistricting for several months, while Ferguson previously expressed concern that adopting a new map without first addressing constitutional questions could expose the state to additional legal challenges.
Republican lawmakers criticized the special session, arguing that Democratic leaders are seeking to eliminate the state’s only Republican-held congressional seat. Senate Republican leaders also said they plan to introduce legislation addressing energy costs, vehicle fees, and other affordability concerns. Because Democrats hold large majorities in both chambers, the proposed amendment could advance without Republican support if the caucus remains unified.
MD General Assembly to hold special session on redistricting
Maryland lawmakers to return for August redistricting special session – The Banner
