Legislative leaders may bring lawmakers back to Annapolis later this summer to address congressional redistricting and election-related issues.

House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk recently asked lawmakers to reserve time in their schedules between mid-July and early August while House and Senate leadership determine whether to convene a special session. Leadership identified July 16-22 and July 30-August 5 as potential dates, with a preference for the earlier timeframe.

Speaker Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson plan to meet after next week’s primary election to discuss next steps.

The discussions follow months of debate over congressional redistricting. During the 2026 legislative session, the House approved legislation that would have redrawn Maryland’s congressional districts. The Senate did not advance the proposal before adjournment.

Senate leadership has pointed to recent developments involving federal voting rights law as a factor in the renewed discussions. Lawmakers could consider a constitutional amendment on election law and voting rights.

The calendar may drive the decision as much as the policy debate. Maryland lawmakers must act by July 31 to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

Legislative leaders have not yet called a special session or released a formal agenda. They expect to make that determination after caucus discussions and leadership meetings following the primary election.

MACo does not have a position on congressional redistricting proposals. The Association’s interest in election policy centers on how counties administer elections, implement State requirements, and fund local election operations, not on how lawmakers draw district lines or which political party may benefit from them.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for updates.