During this week’s special session, Senate President Bill Ferguson announced several leadership and committee changes in preparation for the 2026 legislative session.

Senator Benjamin Brooks (Baltimore County) will serve as chair of the Senate Executive Nominations Committee. Senator Katie Fry Hester (Howard and Montgomery) will chair the Senate Rules Committee.

On the Budget and Taxation Committee, Senator Shelly Hettleman (Baltimore County) was named chair of the Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee. Senator Karen Lewis Young (Frederick) will chair the Budget and Taxation Pensions Subcommittee.

Senator Malcolm Augustine (Prince George’s) will move from the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee to the Budget and Taxation Committee. Senator Nick Charles (Prince George’s) will serve as vice chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

The new assignments take effect ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.