The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has released the 2026 Legislative Drafting Manual, an updated guide to Maryland’s legislative drafting process.

The manual explains how bills are drafted, amended, and enacted. It outlines Maryland’s constitutional framework for legislation, drafting conventions, bill structure, effective dates, local legislation, fiscal provisions, and common drafting pitfalls.

It also covers the practical side of the legislative process, including bill requests, amendments, reporting requirements, and special provisions commonly used in legislation. Together, the manual provides a comprehensive overview of how legislation is developed and considered in the Maryland General Assembly.

Although written primarily for legislative staff, the manual is a useful reference for anyone who drafts, reviews, analyzes, or tracks legislation.

According to DLS, this year’s edition includes several notable updates, including:

• Clarified guidance on constitutional amendments affecting only one county or Baltimore City;
• Updated discussion of legislation granting urban renewal powers; and
• Revised guidance on drafting special section language addressing inconsistent laws.

The manual also includes the legislative calendar for the 2027 Session, sample bill formats, drafting examples, file codes, constitutional and statutory references, and numerous practical drafting resources.

The manual, available on the DLS website, is one of the most comprehensive references on Maryland’s legislative drafting process and the procedures that shape legislation in Annapolis.