Maryland legislative leaders have directed the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) to accept bill drafting requests for the August 3-5 Special Session only if they relate directly to congressional redistricting.

In a letter to members of the General Assembly, Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk said the Special Session is being reconvened for the limited purpose of considering legislation related to congressional redistricting standards.

To keep the session focused on that purpose, DLS will not accept drafting requests on unrelated topics.

The letter notes that the Maryland Constitution allows each chamber to determine its own proceedings and that State law places DLS under the direction of the presiding officers. Legislative leaders said the approach establishes a consistent standard for all members while maintaining the Special Session’s focus on its defined purpose.

The letter also acknowledges that affordability, energy costs, and other issues remain important priorities for Marylanders. However, legislative leaders said members may continue developing legislation on those and other topics for consideration during the 2027 regular session.

MACo will continue monitoring developments related to the Special Session and provide updates as additional information becomes available.