Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission (Fair Districts for Maryland Act)

EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
*hb0482*

HOUSE BILL 482
G1, P3, P5 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 6lr1124

By: Delegates Buckel, Pippy, Adams, Anderson, Arentz, Baker, Beauchamp,
Chisholm, Griffith, Hartman, Hinebaugh, Hornberger, Hutchinson, Jacobs,
Kipke, R. Long, Mangione, McComas, Metzgar, Miller, T. Morgan, Nkongolo,
Reilly, Rose, Schmidt, Tomlinson, Valentine, and Wivell
Introduced and read first time: January 23, 2026
Assigned to: Rules and Executive Nominations

A BILL ENTITLED

AN ACT concerning 1

Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Legislative and Congressional 2
Redistricting and Apportionment Commission 3
(Fair Districts for Maryland Act) 4

FOR the purpose of altering certain standards for the drawing of legislative districts; 5
establishing standards for the drawing of congressional districts; establishing the 6
Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission as an 7
independent unit of State government to divide the State into certain legislative 8
districts and congressional districts subject to certain requirements and procedures; 9
providing that the Supreme Court of Maryland has original jurisdiction to establish 10
a certain plan or consider a certain petitio n under certain circumstances ; altering 11
the cases with respect to which the Attorney General has the authority to prosecute 12
and defend the State; requiring the Redistricting Commission to petition the 13
Supreme Court of Maryland to establish certain plans under certain circumstances; 14
requiring the Redistricting Commission to represent the State in certain judicial 15
proceedings; requiring the Redistricting Commission to intervene in certain cases on 16
behalf of the State; and generally relating to legislative and congressional 17
redistricting and apportionment. 18

BY proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution 19
Article III – Legislative Department 20
Section 4 21

BY proposing a repeal of the Maryland Constitution 22
Article III – Legislative Department 23
Section 5 24

BY proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution 25
2 HOUSE BILL 482

Article IV – Judiciary Department 1
Section 14 2

BY proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution 3
Article V – Attorney–General and State’s Attorneys 4
Section 3 5

BY proposing an addition to the Maryland Constitution 6
New Article XXI – Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment 7
Section 1 and 2 8

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 9
Article – Election Law 10
Section 1–101(a), (dd), (hh), (jj), and (kk) 11
Annotated Code of Maryland 12
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 13

BY adding to 14
Article – Election Law 15
Section 8 –7A–01 through 8 –7A–11 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 7A. 16
Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission” 17
Annotated Code of Maryland 18
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 19

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 20
(Three–fifths of all the members elected to each of the two Houses concurring), That it be 21
proposed that the Maryland Constitution read as follows: 22

Article III – Legislative Department 23

4. 24

Each legislative district [shall consist of adjoining territory, be compact in form, and 25
of substantially equal population. Due regard shall be given to natural boundaries and the 26
boundaries of political subdivisions]: 27

(1) SHALL RESPECT NATURAL BOUNDARIES AND THE G EOGRAPHIC 28
INTEGRITY AND CONTIN UITY OF MUNICIPAL CO RPORATIONS, COUNTIES, AND 29
OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE; 30

(2) SHALL BE GEOGRAPHICAL LY CONTIGUOUS AND CO MPACT AND 31
INCLUDE NEARBY AREAS OF POPULATION TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE; 32

(3) SHALL REFLECT COMMUNITIES OF COMMON INTEREST; 33

(4) MAY NOT ACCOUNT FOR H OW INDIVIDUALS ARE REGISTERED TO 34
HOUSE BILL 482 3

VOTE, HOW INDIVIDUALS VOTED IN THE PAST, OR THE POLITICAL PARTY TO WHICH 1
INDIVIDUALS BELONG; AND 2

(5) MAY NOT ACCOUNT FOR T HE DOMICILE OR RESID ENCE OF ANY 3
INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING AN INCUMBE NT OFFICEHOLDER OR A POTENTIAL 4
CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE. 5

[5. 6

Following each decennial census of the United States and after public hearings, the 7
Governor shall prepare a plan setting forth the boundaries of the legislative districts for 8
electing of the members of the Senate and the House of Delegates. 9

The Governor shall present the plan to the President of the Senate and Speaker of 10
the House of Delegates who shall introduce the Governor’s plan as a joint resolution to the 11
General Assembly, not later than the first day of its regular session in the second year 12
following every census, and the Governor may call a special session for the presentation of 13
his plan prior to the regular session. The plan shall conform to Sections 2, 3 and 4 of this 14
Article. Following each decennial census the General Assembly may by joint resolution 15
adopt a plan setting forth the boundaries of the legislative districts for the election of 16
members of the Senate and the House of Delegates, which plan shall conform to Sections 17
2, 3 and 4 of this Article. If a plan has been adopted by the Gener al Assembly by the 45th 18
day after the opening of the regular session of the General Assembly in the second year 19
following every census, the plan adopted by the General Assembly shall become law. If no 20
plan has been adopted by the General Assembly for these purposes by the 45th day after 21
the opening of the regular session of the General Assembly in the second year following 22
every census, the Governor’s plan presented to the General Assembly shall become law. 23

Upon petition of any registered voter, the Supreme Court of Maryland shall have 24
original jurisdiction to review the legislative districting of the State and may grant 25
appropriate relief, if it finds that the districting of the State is not consistent with 26
requirements of either the Constitution of the United States of America, or the Constitution 27
of Maryland.] 28

Article IV – Judiciary Department 29

14. 30

The Supreme Court of Maryland shall be composed of seven justices, one from the 31
First Appellate Judicial Circuit consisting of Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen 32
Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties; one from the Second 33
Appellate Judicial Circuit consisting of Baltimore and Harford Counties; one from the Third 34
Appellate Judicial Circuit, consisting of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and 35
Washington Counties; one from the Fourth Appellate Judicial Circuit, consisting of Prince 36
George’s County; one from the Fifth Appellate Judicial Circuit, consisting of Anne Arundel, 37
Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties; one from the Sixth Appellate Judicial Circuit, 38
4 HOUSE BILL 482

consisting of Baltimore City; and one from the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit, 1
consisting of Montgomery County. The Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall be 2
residents of their respective Appellate Judicial Circuits. The term of each Justice of the 3
Supreme Court of Maryland shall begin on the date of the Justice’s qualification. One of 4
the Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall be designated by the Governor as the 5
Chief Justice. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall be co–extensive with 6
the limits of the State and such as now is or may hereafter be prescribed by law. 7
EXCLUSIVE AMONG THE STATE COURTS , THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND 8
SHALL HAVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION: (1) TO ESTABLISH THE LEG ISLATIVE 9
DISTRICT PLAN AND THE CON GRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN IN THE EVENT TH AT A 10
PLAN IS NOT ENACTED UNDER ARTICLE XXI, SECTION 2 OF THIS CONSTITUTION; 11
AND (2) TO CONSIDER A PETITION SEEKING REVIEW OF THE LEGALITY OF A PLAN TO 12
ESTABLISH LEGISLATIV E OR CONGRESSIONAL D ISTRICTS ENACTED UNDER 13
ARTICLE XXI, SECTION 2 OF THIS CONSTITUTION. It shall hold its sessions in the City 14
of Annapolis at such time or times as it shall from time to time by rule prescribe. Its session 15
or sessions shall continue not less than ten months in eac h year, if the business before it 16
shall so require, and it shall be competent for the judges temporarily to transfer their 17
sittings elsewhere upon sufficient cause. The salary of each Justice of the Supreme Court 18
of Maryland shall be that now or hereafter prescribed by the General Assembly and shall 19
not be diminished during his continuance in office. Five of the justices shall constitute a 20
quorum, and five justices shall sit in each case unless the Court shall direct that an 21
additional justice or justices sit for any case. The concurrence of a majority of those sitting 22
shall be sufficient for the decision of any cause, and an equal division of those sitting in a 23
case has the effect of affirming the decision appealed from if th ere is no application for 24
reargument as hereinafter provided. In any case where there is an equal division or a three 25
to two division of the Court a reargument before the full Court of seven justices shall be 26
granted to the losing party upon application as a matter of right. 27

Article V – Attorney–General and State’s Attorneys 28

3. 29

(a) The Attorney General shall: 30

(1) [Prosecute] EXCEPT FOR PROCEEDING S TO ESTABLISH THE 31
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN AND THE CONGRES SIONAL DISTRICT PLAN IN THE 32
EVENT THAT A PLAN IS NOT ENACTED UNDER ARTICLE XXI, SECTION 2 OF THIS 33
CONSTITUTION OR A PET ITION SEEKING REVIEW OF THE LEGALITY OF A PLAN TO 34
ESTABLISH LEGISLATIV E DISTRICTS OR CONGR ESSIONAL DISTRICTS E NACTED 35
UNDER ARTICLE XXI, SECTION 2 OF THIS CONSTITUTION, PROSECUTE and defend 36
on the part of the State all cases pending in the appellate courts of the State, in the Supreme 37
Court of the United States or the inferior Federal Courts, by or against the State, or in 38
which the State may be interested, except those criminal appeals otherwise prescribed by 39
the General Assembly. 40

(2) Investigate, commence, and prosecute or defend any civil or criminal 41
HOUSE BILL 482 5

suit or action or category of such suits or actions in any of the Federal Courts or in any 1
Court of this State, or before administra tive agencies and quasi legislative bodies, on the 2
part of the State or in which the State may be interested, which the General Assembly by 3
law or joint resolution, or the Governor, shall have directed or shall direct to be 4
investigated, commenced and prosecuted or defended. 5

(3) When required by the General Assembly by law or joint resolution, or 6
by the Governor, aid any State’s Attorney or other authorized prosecuting officer in 7
investigating, commencing, and prosecuting any criminal suit or action or category of such 8
suits or actions brought by the State in any Court of this State. 9

(4) Give his opinion in writing whenever required by the General Assembly 10
or either branch thereof, the Governor, the Comptroller, the Treasurer or any State’s 11
Attorney on any legal matter or subject. 12

(b) The Attorney General shall have and perform any other duties and possess 13
any other powers, and appoint the number of deputies or assistants, as the General 14
Assembly from time to time may prescribe by law. 15

(c) The Attorney General shall receive for his services the annual salary as the 16
General Assembly from time to time may prescribe by law, but he may not receive any fees, 17
perquisites or rewards whatever, in addition to his salary, for the performance of any 18
official duty. 19

(d) The Governor may not employ any additional counsel, in any case whatever, 20
unless authorized by the General Assembly. 21

ARTICLE XXI – LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND 22
APPORTIONMENT 23

1. 24

EACH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: 25

(1) SHALL RESPECT NATURAL BOUNDARI ES AND THE GEOGRAPHIC 26
INTEGRITY AND CONTIN UITY OF MUNICIPAL CO RPORATIONS, COUNTIES, AND 27
OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE; 28

(2) SHALL BE GEOGRAPHICAL LY CONTIGUOUS AND COMPACT AND 29
INCLUDE NEARBY AREAS OF POPULATION TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE; 30

(3) SHALL REFLECT COMMUNITIES OF COMMON INTEREST; 31

(4) MAY NOT ACCOUNT FOR H OW INDIVIDUALS ARE REGISTERED TO 32
VOTE, HOW INDIVIDUALS VOTED IN THE PAST, OR THE POLITICAL PARTY TO WHICH 33
INDIVIDUALS BELONG; AND 34
6 HOUSE BILL 482

(5) MAY NOT ACCOUNT FOR T HE DOMICILE OR RESID ENCE OF ANY 1
INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING AN INCUMBE NT OFFICEHOLDER OR A POTENTIAL 2
CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE. 3

2. 4

(A) IN THIS SECTION , “REDISTRICTING COMMISSION” MEANS THE 5
LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND APPORTIONMENT 6
COMMISSION. 7

(B) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION AND ANY LAWS ENACTED TO CARRY 8
OUT THIS SECTION ARE THE EXCLUSIVE MEANS TO ADOPT ANY PLAN TO ALTER 9
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. 10

(C) (1) THERE IS A LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING 11
AND APPORTIONMENT COMMISSION. 12

(2) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION IS AN INDEPENDENT UNIT OF 13
STATE GOVERNMENT, ESTABLISHED BY LAW. 14

(D) IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING EACH DECENNIAL CENSU S OF THE UNITED 15
STATES, THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL: 16

(1) DIVIDE THE STATE INTO CONSECUTIV ELY NUMBERED 17
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS THAT CONFORM TO ARTICLE III, SECTIONS 2, 3, AND 4 OF 18
THIS CONSTITUTION; AND 19

(2) DIVIDE THE STATE INTO AS MANY CO NGRESSIONAL DISTRICT S 20
THAT CONFORM TO SECTION 1 OF THIS ARTICLE AS THERE ARE REPRESENTATIVES 21
IN CONGRESS APPORTIONED TO THE STATE. 22

(E) (1) LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS SHALL BE AS NEARLY E QUAL IN 23
POPULATION AS PRACTI CABLE BUT MAY NOT DE VIATE MORE THAN 2% IN 24
POPULATION BETWEEN LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS. 25

(2) EACH DELEGATE DISTRIC T SHALL BE AS NEARLY EQUAL IN 26
POPULATION AS PRACTI CABLE BUT MAY NOT DE VIATE MORE THAN 2% IN 27
POPULATION BETWEEN T HE OTHER DELEGATE DI STRICTS IN THE LEGIS LATIVE 28
DISTRICT. 29

(F) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL: 30

(1) ADOPT ONE PLAN FOR LE GISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND ONE PLAN 31
HOUSE BILL 482 7

FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS; 1

(2) CERTIFY THAT EACH PLA N IS THE PLAN ADOPTE D BY THE 2
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION; AND 3

(3) SEND EACH CERTIFIED P LAN TO THE PRESIDING OFFICERS OF 4
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 5

(G) ON RECEIPT OF THE CERTIFIED LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN AND THE 6
CERTIFIED CONGRESSIO NAL DISTRICT PLAN FR OM THE REDISTRICTING 7
COMMISSION, THE PRESIDING OFFICE RS SHALL INTRODUCE EACH PLAN 8
SEPARATELY FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 9

(H) UNLESS T HE GOVERNOR FINDS THAT A SPECIAL SESSION IS N OT 10
REQUIRED, THE GOVERNOR SHALL ISSUE A PROCLAMATION CONVENING A SPECIAL 11
SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONSIDER THE PLANS REQUIRED T O BE 12
INTRODUCED UNDER SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION. 13

(I) THE PRESIDING OFFICERS SHALL INTRO DUCE THE CERTIFIED 14
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN AND THE CERTIFIED CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN 15
AT THE FOLLOWING TIME: 16

(1) IF THE GOVERNOR DOES NOT CON VENE A SPECIAL SESSI ON, ON 17
THE FIRST DAY OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN THE YEAR 18
ENDING IN THE NUMERAL 2; OR 19

(2) IF THE GOVERNOR CONVENES A SPECIAL SESSION, ON THE FIRST 20
DAY OF THE SPECIAL SESSION. 21

(J) EXCEPT FOR THE PLANS REQUIRED TO BE INTRO DUCED BY THE 22
PRESIDING OFFICERS UNDER SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, A MEMBER OF THE 23
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY NOT INTR ODUCE A BILL PROPOSI NG A PLAN FOR 24
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. 25

(K) (1) (I) DURING A REGULAR SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 26
EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PASS A LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 27
PLAN AND A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN BY A VOTE OF THREE–FIFTHS OF THE 28
MEMBERS ELECTED TO THAT HOUSE BY THE 45TH DAY AFTER THE OPENING OF THE 29
REGULAR SESSION. 30

(II) DURING A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 31
EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PASS A LEGISLATI VE DISTRICT 32
PLAN AND A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN BY A VOTE OF THREE–FIFTHS OF THE 33
8 HOUSE BILL 482

MEMBERS ELECTED TO THAT HOUSE BY THE 15TH DAY AFTER THE OPENING OF THE 1
SPECIAL SESSION. 2

(2) THE LEGISLATIVE DISTR ICT PLAN AND CONGRES SIONAL 3
DISTRICT PLAN PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES AND THE SENATE SHALL BE 4
PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNOR FOR APPROVAL WITHIN 1 DAY AFTER PASSAGE. 5

(L) IF THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 6
PLAN DO NOT RECEIVE A VOTE OF THE MEMBER S OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 7
WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH UNDER SUBSECTION (K)(1) OF THIS SECTION, 8
THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR THE CON GRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN SHALL 9
BE CONSIDERED AS NOT PASSED. 10

(M) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PRESENT THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 11
PLAN OR THE CONGRESSIONAL DI STRICT PLAN PASSED U NDER THIS SECTION TO 12
THE GOVERNOR WITHIN 1 DAY AFTER PASSAGE. 13

(N) (1) THE GOVERNOR SHALL SIGN O R VETO THE LEGISLATI VE 14
DISTRICT PLAN OR THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN WITHIN 6 DAYS AFTER 15
PRESENTMENT. 16

(2) IF THE GOVERNOR DOES NOT SIG N OR VETO A PLAN WIT HIN 6 17
DAYS AFTER PRESENTME NT, THE LEGISLATIVE DIST RICT PLAN OR THE 18
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN SHALL BE A LAW IN LIKE MANNER AS IF SIGNED BY 19
THE GOVERNOR. 20

(O) A LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR A CONGRESSIO NAL DISTRICT PLAN 21
ADOPTED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE: 22

(1) ON THE DATE THE GOVERNOR SIGNS THE PLAN; 23

(2) IF THE GOVERNOR DOES NOT SIG N OR VETO THE PLAN , ON THE 24
6TH DAY AFTER PRESENTMENT TO THE GOVERNOR; OR 25

(3) IF THERE IS A PROCEED ING INVOLVING THE LE GISLATIVE 26
DISTRICT PLAN OR THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN IN THE SUPREME COURT 27
OF MARYLAND UNDER ARTICLE IV, SECTION 14 OF THIS CONSTITUTION, ON THE 28
DATE ORDERED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND. 29

(P) AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE IV, SECTION 14 OF THIS CONSTITUTION, THE 30
SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL ADOPT A LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR 31
A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN IN A PROCEEDING IF: 32

HOUSE BILL 482 9

(1) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION FAILS TO A PPROVE A 1
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN; OR 2

(2) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DOES NOT PAS S A PLAN UNDER THIS 3
SECTION WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (K)(1) OF THIS 4
SECTION. 5

(Q) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL BE THE REPRESENTATIVE OF 6
THE STATE: 7

(1) IN A PROCEEDING UNDER SUBSECTION (P) OF THIS SECTION; OR 8

(2) IN A PETITION TO REVI EW THE LEGALITY OF A PLAN UNDER 9
ARTICLE IV, SECTION 14 OF THIS CONSTITUTION. 10

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 11
as follows: 12

Article – Election Law 13

1–101. 14

(a) In this article the following words have the meanings indicated unless a 15
different meaning is clearly intended from the context. 16

(dd) “Majority party” means the political party to which the incumbent Governor 17
belongs, if the incumbent Governor is a member of a principal political party. If the 18
incumbent Governor is not a member of one of the two principal political parties, “majority 19
party” means the principal political party whose candidate for Governor received the 20
highest number of votes of any party candidate at the last preceding general election. 21

(hh) “Political party” means an organized group that is qualified as a political party 22
in accordance with Title 4 of this article. 23

(jj) “Principal minority party” means the principal political party whose candidate 24
for Governor received the second highest number of votes of any party candidate at the last 25
preceding general election. 26

(kk) “Principal political parties” means the majority party and the principal 27
minority party. 28

SUBTITLE 7A. LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND 29
APPORTIONMENT COMMISSION. 30

8–7A–01. 31
10 HOUSE BILL 482

(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 1
INDICATED. 2

(B) “PLAN” MEANS THE PROPOSED L EGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR THE 3
PROPOSED CONGRESSION AL DISTRICT PLAN ADO PTED BY THE REDISTRICTING 4
COMMISSION. 5

(C) “REDISTRICTING COMMISSION” MEANS THE LEGISLATIVE AND 6
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND APPORTIONMENT COMMISSION. 7

8–7A–02. 8

IT IS THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT: 9

(1) NEITHER THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS NOR THE CONGRESSIONAL 10
DISTRICTS BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF FAVORING OR DISCRIMINATING 11
AGAINST AN INCUMBENT OFFICEHOLDER, A CANDIDATE FOR OFFI CE, OR A 12
POLITICAL PARTY; AND 13

(2) THE PROVISIONS OF TH IS SUBTITLE COMPLY W ITH AND 14
IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE III, §§ 2, 3, AND 4, ARTICLE IV, § 14, AND 15
ARTICLE XXI, §§ 1 AND 2 OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. 16

8–7A–03. 17

THERE IS A LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND 18
APPORTIONMENT COMMISSION AS AN INDEPENDENT UNIT OF STATE GOVERNMENT. 19

8–7A–04. 20

ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2031, AND EACH YEAR ENDING IN THE NUMERAL 1 21
THEREAFTER, A REDISTRICTING COMMISSION WITH THE MEMBERSHIP 22
ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 8–7A–05 OF THIS SUBTITLE SHALL CONVENE. 23

8–7A–05. 24

(A) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION CONSISTS O F THE FOLLOWING 10 25
MEMBERS: 26

(1) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B)(3) OF THIS SECTION, TWO MEMBERS 27
APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SUBJECT TO THE UNANI MOUS APPROVAL OF THE 28
SENATE EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE RULES AND 29
HOUSE BILL 482 11

EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE; 1

(2) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 2

(3) THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 3

(4) THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE; 4

(5) THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES; 5

(6) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 6

(7) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 7

(8) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF T HE 8
SENATE; AND 9

(9) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF T HE 10
HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 11

(B) (1) AT LEAST ONE MEMBER A PPOINTED UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(1) 12
OF THIS SECTION MUST BE A REGISTERED VOTE R WHO , FOR AT LEAST 7 YEARS 13
IMMEDIATELY PRECEDIN G THE DATE THAT THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION 14
CONVENES, HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY REGISTE RED WITH A POLITICAL PARTY 15
OTHER THAN A PRINCIPAL POLITICAL PARTY OR HAS REMAINED UNAFFILIATED. 16

(2) A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION APPOINTED 17
UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE: 18

(I) A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM THE 19
STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; 20

(II) A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A CANDIDA TE 21
FOR THAT OFFICE; 22

(III) AN ELECTED LOCAL GOV ERNMENT OFFICIAL OR A 23
CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE; 24

(IV) AN OFFICER OR EMPLOY EE OF A POLITICAL PA RTY OR 25
POLITICAL COMMITTEE; 26

(V) 1. A CONTRACTOR PROVIDI NG PROFESSIONAL 27
SERVICES TO: 28
12 HOUSE BILL 482

A. THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; 1

B. A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A 2
CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR 3

C. A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM 4
THE STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR 5

2. A CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEE OF OR A 6
CONSULTANT TO AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN ITEM 1 OF THIS ITEM; 7

(VI) AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR OR OF 8
AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN ITEM (I), (II), (III), OR (IV) OF THIS PARAGRAPH; 9

(VII) A STAFF MEMBER OF: 10

1. THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; 11

2. A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A 12
CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; 13

3. A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM 14
THE STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR 15

4. AN ELECTED LOCAL GOV ERNMENT OFFICIAL OR A 16
CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE; OR 17

(VIII) A CURRENT OR FORMER REGISTERED LOBBYIST. 18

(3) TO BE APPOINTED UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION, 19
AN INDIVIDUAL MAY NOT BE AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT OR HAVE BEEN WITHIN 20
THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING 7 YEARS AN EMPLOYEE OF: 21

(I) THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE; 22

(II) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; OR 23

(III) AN OFFICE OF STATE GOVERNMENT. 24

(C) EACH MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL APPLY 25
THE PROVISIONS OF TH IS SUBTITLE IN A MAN NER THAT IS IMPARTIA L AND THAT 26
REINFORCES PUBLIC CO NFIDENCE IN THE INTE GRITY OF THE REDISTR ICTING 27
HOUSE BILL 482 13

PROCESS. 1

(D) A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION: 2

(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMP ENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 3
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION; BUT 4

(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER THE 5
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 6

8–7A–06. 7

(A) (1) SEVEN MEMBERS OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION ARE A 8
QUORUM. 9

(2) SEVEN OR MORE AFFIRMA TIVE VOTES OF THE ME MBERS ARE 10
REQUIRED FOR ANY OFF ICIAL ACTION OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION, 11
INCLUDING APPROVAL OF: 12

(I) ANY PLAN FOR LEGISLA TIVE DISTRICTS OR 13
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS ADOPTED BY THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION; AND 14

(II) ANY CHANGES TO AN APPROVED PLAN. 15

(B) FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERS, THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL 16
ELECT ONE MEMBER TO SERVE AS CHAIR. 17

(C) (1) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MAY HIRE STAFF, ATTORNEYS, 18
AND CONSULTANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE BUDGET. 19

(2) EMPLOYEES OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL BE 20
INDEPENDENT OF THE STATE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. 21

(D) A FINDING OF A POSSIBL E CRIMINAL VIOLATION BY A MEMBER OR AN 22
EMPLOYEE OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MAY RESULT IN REFERRAL TO THE 23
STATE PROSECUTOR FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. 24

8–7A–07. 25

(A) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL: 26

(1) CONDUCT A PROCESS TH AT IS OPEN AND TRANS PARENT TO 27
ENABLE FULL PUBLIC CONSIDERATION OF AND COMMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT 28
14 HOUSE BILL 482

OF LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS; 1

(2) ESTABLISH LEGISLATIV E DISTRICTS AND CONG RESSIONAL 2
DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE REDISTRICTING STANDARDS SET FORTH IN THIS 3
SUBTITLE AND ARTICLE III, §§ 3 AND 4 AND ARTICLE XXI, § 1 OF THE MARYLAND 4
CONSTITUTION; AND 5

(3) CONDUCT BUSINESS WITH INTEGRITY AND FAIRNESS. 6

(B) THE ACTIVITIES OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION ARE SUBJECT TO 7
THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT AND THE MARYLAND PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT. 8

(C) (1) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL ESTA BLISH AND 9
IMPLEMENT A HEARING PROCESS THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR PUBLIC INPUT 10
AND DELIBERATION THAT IS: 11

(I) SUBJECT TO PUBLIC NOTICE; AND 12

(II) DESIGNED TO ENCOURAG E CITIZEN OUTREACH A ND TO 13
SOLICIT BROAD PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS. 14

(2) (I) THE HEARING PROCESS ESTABLISHED UNDER PARAGRAPH 15
(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION SHALL INCLUDE THE SCHEDULING OF HEARINGS: 16

1. TO RECEIVE PUBLIC IN PUT BEFORE THE 17
CONSIDERATION OF ANY PLAN BY THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION; AND 18

2. FOLLOWING THE PROPOS AL OF A PLAN BY THE 19
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION. 20

(II) HEARINGS MAY BE SUPPL EMENTED WITH OTHER 21
ACTIVITIES AS DETERM INED APPROPRIATE BY THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION 22
TO FURTHER INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE AND 23
PARTICIPATE IN THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS. 24

(D) (1) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL ENSU RE THAT THE 25
PROPOSED PLANS ARE READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. 26

(2) BEFORE ADOPTING A PLA N, THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION 27
SHALL ALLOW 14 DAYS FOR THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENT. 28

(E) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY 29
TO ENSURE THAT A COM PLETE AND ACCURATE C OMPUTERIZED POPULATI ON 30
HOUSE BILL 482 15

DATABASE IS AVAILABL E FOR REDISTRICTING AND THAT PROCEDURES ARE IN 1
PLACE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLI C READY ACCESS TO RE DISTRICTING DATA AND 2
COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR DRAWING MAPS. 3

8–7A–08. 4

(A) (1) IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING EACH DECENNIAL CENSU S OF THE 5
UNITED STATES, OR WHEN OTHERWISE RE QUIRED BY LAW , THE REDISTRICTING 6
COMMISSION SHALL ADOPT A PLAN TO ESTA BLISH LEGISLATIVE DI STRICTS AND 7
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRI CTS IN CONFORMANCE W ITH THE STANDARDS AN D 8
PROCESSES SET FORTH IN THIS SUBTITLE AND THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. 9

(2) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR ENDING IN THE NUMERAL 10
1, THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL APPROVE TWO PLANS: 11

(I) ONE PLAN SHALL DESCR IBE THE DISTRICT BOU NDARY 12
LINES FOR THE ELECTI ON OF MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF 13
DELEGATES; AND 14

(II) ONE PLAN SHALL DESCR IBE THE DISTRICT BOU NDARY 15
LINES FOR THE STATE’S REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 16

(B) LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS SHALL BE NUMBERED CO NSECUTIVELY 17
COMMENCING AT THE NO RTHWESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE STATE AND ENDING AT 18
THE SOUTHEASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE STATE. 19

(C) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL ISSUE WITH EACH PLAN: 20

(1) MAPS SHOWING THE LEG ISLATIVE DISTRICTS A ND THE 21
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS; AND 22

(2) A REPORT THAT: 23

(I) EXPLAINS THE BASIS O N WHICH THE REDISTRICTING 24
COMMISSION MADE ITS D ECISIONS TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE CRITERIA 25
SPECIFIED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE; AND 26

(II) INCLUDES DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS AND STA NDARDS 27
USED IN DRAWING EACH PLAN. 28

(D) ON ADOPTION OF A PLAN, THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL: 29

(1) CERTIFY THAT THE PLA N IS THE PLAN ADOPTE D BY THE 30
16 HOUSE BILL 482

REDISTRICTING COMMISSION; AND 1

(2) SEND THE CERTIFIED PLAN TO THE PRESIDING OFFICERS OF THE 2
GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 3

(E) ON RECEIPT OF A CERTI FIED PLAN SENT UNDER SUBSECTION (D) OF 4
THIS SECTION , THE PRESIDING OFFICE RS SHALL PREPARE THE PLAN FOR 5
CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE XXI, § 2 OF 6
THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. 7

(F) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBTITLE OR ARTICLE XXI, § 2 OF THE 8
MARYLAND CONSTITUTION, A PLAN CONSIDERED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 9
SHALL BE TREATED IN THE SAME MANNER AS A BILL FOR PURPOSES OF 10
PUBLICATION, CODIFICATION, NOTIFICATION, AND DISTRIBUTION. 11

8–7A–09. 12

(A) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL PETI TION THE SUPREME 13
COURT OF MARYLAND TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OR CONGRESSIONAL 14
DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBTIT LE AND 15
ARTICLE III, §§ 3 AND 4 AND ARTICLE XX OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION IF: 16

(1) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION FAILS TO ADOPT AND CERTIFY 17
A PLAN UNDER THIS SUBTITLE; OR 18

(2) A PLAN IS NOT ENACTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XXI, § 2 19
OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. 20

(B) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL REPR ESENT THE STATE 21
REGARDING ANY PETITI ON SEEKING A REVIEW OF A CERTIFIED PLAN OR A LAW 22
ENACTED ESTABLISHING LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OR CONGRESSIONAL D ISTRICTS 23
UNDER ARTICLE XXI, § 2 OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. 24

(C) IN ANY CASE BROUGHT IN A FEDERAL COURT TO REVIEW A PLAN, IF THE 25
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION IS NOT A P ARTY TO THE CASE , THE REDISTRICTING 26
COMMISSION SHALL MOVE TO INTERVENE IN THE CASE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE. 27

8–7A–10. 28

(A) THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL HAVE ORIGINAL 29
JURISDICTION TO ESTA BLISH LEGISLATIVE DI STRICTS AND CONGRESS IONAL 30
DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBTIT LE AND 31
ARTICLE III, §§ 3 AND 4 AND ARTICLE XXI OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION IF: 32
HOUSE BILL 482 17

(1) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION FAILS TO A PPROVE A PLAN 1
UNDER THIS SUBTITLE; 2

(2) A PLAN IS NOT ENACTE D UNDER ARTICLE XXI, § 2 OF THE 3
MARYLAND CONSTITUTION; OR 4

(3) A REGISTERED VOTER FILES A PETITION UNDER SUBSECTION (B) 5
OF THIS SECTION. 6

(B) (1) ON THE ENACTMEN T OF A LEGISLATIVE D ISTRICT PLAN OR A 7
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN, ANY REGISTERED VOTER IN THE STATE MAY FILE 8
A PETITION WITH THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND TO BAR THE PLAN FROM 9
TAKING EFFECT ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE PLA N VIOLATES THE MARYLAND 10
CONSTITUTION, THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, OR A FEDERAL OR STATE 11
STATUTE. 12

(2) THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION SHALL BE THE DEFENDANT IN 13
A PETITION FILED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION. 14

(C) SUBJECT TO THE MARYLAND RULES, ANY REGISTERED VOTER OF THE 15
STATE MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCEEDING AS AN AMICUS CURIAE. 16

(D) (1) IF A PETITION IS FILED UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, 17
THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND: 18

(I) SHALL SET DEADLINES FOR THE FILING OF PLEADINGS AND 19
AMICUS CURIAE BRIEFS; AND 20

(II) MAY APP OINT A SPECIAL MASTE R TO MAKE 21
RECOMMENDATIONS. 22

(2) A SPECIAL MASTER APPOINTED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 23
SUBSECTION SHALL: 24

(I) HOLD A HEARING; 25

(II) CONSIDER A PLAN APPR OVED BY THE REDISTRICTING 26
COMMISSION, IF ANY; AND 27

(III) MAKE RECOMMENDAT IONS TO THE SUPREME COURT OF 28
MARYLAND. 29

18 HOUSE BILL 482

(3) WITHIN THE TIME PERIO D ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPREME 1
COURT OF MARYLAND UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION, A PARTY MAY 2
FILE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SPECIAL MASTER. 3

(4) BEFORE ORDERING ANY R ELIEF, THE SUPREME COURT OF 4
MARYLAND SHALL: 5

(I) HOLD A HEARING; 6

(II) CONSIDER A PLAN APPR OVED BY THE REDISTRICTING 7
COMMISSION, IF ANY; AND 8

(III) CONSIDER ANY RECOMMENDATIONS OF A SPECIAL MASTER. 9

(E) (1) THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND MAY ORDER ANY RELIEF 10
CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE. 11

(2) IN ORDERING RELIEF: 12

(I) IF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION ADOPTED AN D 13
CERTIFIED A PLAN, THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND MAY APPROVE, MODIFY, 14
OR ADOPT A NEW PLAN; OR 15

(II) IF THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION HAS NOT ADOPTED 16
AND CERTIFIED A PLAN , THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL ESTABLISH 17
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT S AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE 18
STANDARDS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBTITLE AND ARTICLE III, §§ 3 AND 4 AND 19
ARTICLE XXI OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION. 20

(F) THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL GIVE PRIORITY TO RULING 21
ON A PETITION FILED UNDER THIS SECTION. 22

8–7A–11. 23

THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E FUNDS IN THE STATE BUDGET TO CARRY 24
OUT THIS SUBTITLE, INCLUDING THE COSTS OF ANY LITIGATION. 25

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the General Assembly 26
determines that the amendment to the Maryland Constitution proposed by Section 1 of this 27
Act affects multiple jurisdictions and that the provisions of Article XIV, § 1 of the Maryland 28
Constitution concerning local approval of constitutional amendments do not apply. 29

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the amendment to the 30
Maryland Constitution proposed by Section 1 of this Act shall be submitted to the qualified 31
HOUSE BILL 482 19

voters of the State at the next general election to be held in November 2026 for adoption or 1
rejection pursuant to Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution. At that general election, 2
the vote on the proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be by ballot, and on each 3
ballot there shall be printed the words “For the Constitutional Amendment” and “Against 4
the Constitutional Amendment”, as now provided by law. Immediately after the election, 5
all returns shall be made to the Governor of the vote for and against the proposed 6
amendment, as directed by Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution, and further 7
proceedings had in accordance with Article XIV. 8

SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act is 9
contingent on the passage of Section 1 of this Act , a constitutional amendment, and its 10
ratification by the voters of the State. 11

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to Section 5 of this 12
Act, Section 2 of this Act shall take effect on the proclamation of the Governor that the 13
constitutional amendment, havin g received a majority of the votes cast at the general 14
election, has been adopted by the people of Maryland. 15