As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland lawmakers will return to Annapolis August 3-5 for a special legislative session focused exclusively on congressional redistricting. HB 2100 / SB 2100 would place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot asking voters to change how Maryland handles future congressional redistricting.

The General Assembly has scheduled a joint hearing of the House Government, Labor, and Elections Committee and the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee for Monday, August 3, at 12:00 pm. The hearing will provide the public’s primary opportunity to weigh in before lawmakers consider the legislation.

Anyone may submit written testimony, but oral testimony will be limited to 50 witnesses, with each speaker receiving two minutes. Individuals who wish to testify must create a MyMGA account and register between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on Friday, July 31, selecting either in-person or virtual testimony during registration.

If more than 50 people register to testify, legislative leadership will determine which witnesses are selected to speak. Written testimony must be submitted in PDF format through the MyMGA portal.

The legislation would clarify that Maryland’s constitutional requirements for compact, contiguous districts apply to General Assembly districts rather than congressional districts. It would also require the Supreme Court of Maryland to review future congressional maps before they take effect.

If voters approve the constitutional amendment, the revised process would apply to future congressional redistricting. Any changes to congressional district boundaries would not take effect before the 2028 election.

The General Assembly will livestream committee hearings and floor sessions throughout the special session. Additional information, bill text, livestream links, and testimony registration are available through the Maryland General Assembly website.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.