HB 2102

HOUSE BILL 2102
     G1  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT  6lr3744
     By: Delegate Bouchat
     Introduced and read first time: August 3, 2026
     Assigned to: Rules and Executive Nominations
  A BILL ENTITLED
1 AN ACT concerning
2      Districting – Single–Member Districts and Legislative and Congressional
3Redistricting and Apportionment Convention
4 FOR the purpose of requiring that each legislative district established for the purpose of
5      electing members of the House of Delegates consist of a certain number of
6      single–member delegate districts; requiring the General Assembly to enact a law
7      establishing and governing a Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and
8      Apportionment Convention to establish legislative and congressional districts and
9      establishing certain requirements regarding the Redistricting Convention; providing
10      that plans certified by the Redistricting Convention become law on certain dates
11      under certain circumstances; establishing the Legislative and Congressional
12      Redistricting and Apportionment Convention; authorizing the General Assembly to
13      challenge the legality of a plan certified by the Redistricting Convention; requiring
14      the Supreme Court of Maryland to take certain actions under certain circumstances
15      regarding legislative and congressional districting; and generally relating to
16      legislative and congressional districting.
17 BY proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution
18Article III – Legislative Department
19Section 3 and 5
20 BY proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution
21Article IV – Judiciary Department
22Section 14
23 BY adding to
24      Article – Election Law
25      Section 8–7A–01 through 8–7A–11 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 7A.
26Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Convention”
27      Annotated Code of Maryland
28      (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement)
     EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
  [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
  *hb2102*
2HOUSE BILL 2102
1SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
2 (Three–fifths of all the members elected to each of the two Houses concurring), That it be
3 proposed that the Maryland Constitution read as follows:
4Article III – Legislative Department
5 3.
6The State shall be divided by law into legislative districts for the election of members
7 of the Senate and the House of Delegates. Each legislative district shall contain one (1)
8 Senator and three (3) Delegates. [Nothing herein shall prohibit the subdivision of any one
9 or more] EACH of the legislative districts ESTABLISHED for the purpose of electing
10 members of the House of Delegates [into] SHALL CONSIST OF three (3) single–member
11 delegate districts [or one (1) single–member delegate district and one (1) multi–member
12 delegate district].
13 5.
14(A) IN THIS SECTION, “REDISTRICTING CONVENTION” MEANS THE
15 LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND APPORTIONMENT
16 CONVENTION.
17(B)SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION, THE GENERAL
18 ASSEMBLY SHALL ENACT A LAW ESTABLISHING AND GOVERNING A LEGISLATIVE
19 AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND APPORTIONMENT CONVENTION.
20(C)    (1)
  ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1 OF THE YEAR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
21 THE DECENNIAL CENSUS, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL BE ELECTED BY
22 QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE STATE ON A DATE DETERMINED BY THE STATE BOARD
23 OF ELECTIONS.
24(2)    THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL CONSIST OF 188
25 MEMBERS.
26(3) (I)   SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS PARAGRAPH, ON
27 OR BEFORE JULY 1 OF THE YEAR OF THE DECENNIAL CENSUS, THE STATE BOARD
28 OF ELECTIONS SHALL APPORTION THE NUMBER OF SEATS FOR THE REDISTRICTING
29 CONVENTION AMONG THE COUNTIES ACCORDING TO EACH COUNTY’S POPULATION
30 COUNT IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING DECENNIAL CENSUS.
31(II) EACH COUNTY SHALL HAVE AT LEAST THREE SEATS ON THE
32 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION.
  HOUSE BILL 2102  3
1(4)   EACH MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL BE
2 ELECTED AT LARGE BY THE QUALIFIED VOTERS IN THE COUNTY THAT THE MEMBER
3 SEEKS TO REPRESENT.
4      (D) (1) TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING
5 CONVENTION, AN INDIVIDUAL MUST:
6(I)
  BE A REGISTERED VOTER WHO, FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS
7 IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF ELECTION, HAS BEEN:
81.   CONTINUOUSLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE WITH
9 THE SAME POLITICAL PARTY; OR
102.   CONTINUOUSLY NOT REGISTERED WITH A PRINCIPAL
11 POLITICAL PARTY;
12(II)   BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF ELECTION;
13(III) HAVE RESIDED IN THE STATE FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR
14 IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE MEMBER’S ELECTION; AND
15(IV)
  HAVE RESIDED AND MAINTAINED A PLACE OF RESIDENCE
16 IN THE COUNTY THAT THE INDIVIDUAL SEEKS TO REPRESENT FOR AT LEAST 6
17 MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE ELECTION.
18(2)AN INDIVIDUAL IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR
19 MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION IF THE INDIVIDUAL IS:
20(I)    THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
21(II)
  A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM THE
22 STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
23(III) A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A CANDIDATE
24 FOR THAT OFFICE;
25(IV)
  AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OR A
26 CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE;
27(V)AN OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY OR
28 POLITICAL COMMITTEE;
29(VI)   1.   A     CONTRACTOR      PROVIDING   PROFESSIONAL
4HOUSE BILL 2102
1 SERVICES TO:
2A.    THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
3B.
  A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A
4 CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR
5C.
  A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM
6 THE STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR
72.
  A CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEE OF OR A
8 CONSULTANT TO AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN ITEM 1 OF THIS ITEM;
9(VII) AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OF AN INDIVIDUAL
10 DESCRIBED IN ITEM (I), (II), (III), (IV), OR (V) OF THIS PARAGRAPH;
11(VIII) A STAFF MEMBER OF:
121.    THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
132.
  A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A
14 CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
153.
  A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM
16 THE STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR
174.
  AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OR A
18 CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE; OR
19(IX)   A CURRENT OR FORMER REGISTERED LOBBYIST.
20(3)
  A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION MAY NOT BE
21 ELECTED OR APPOINTED AS A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS OR MEMBER OF THE
22 GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING THE FIRST TERM OF OFFICE FOR WHICH THE
23 CONGRESSIONAL OR LEGISLATIVE PLAN CERTIFIED BY THE REDISTRICTING
24 CONVENTION TAKES EFFECT.
25(E)    (1)   [Following each] ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 OF EACH YEAR
26 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE decennial census of the United States [and after public
27 hearings, the Governor shall prepare a plan], THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL
28 ADOPT PLANS setting forth the boundaries of the legislative districts for electing [of] the
29 members of the Senate and the House of Delegates AND THE CONGRESSIONAL
30 DISTRICTS FOR ELECTING REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
  HOUSE BILL 2102  5
1[The Governor shall present the plan to the President of the Senate and Speaker of
2 the House of Delegates who shall introduce the Governor’s plan as a joint resolution to the
3 General Assembly, not later than the first day of its regular session in the second year
4 following every census, and the Governor may call a special session for the presentation of
5 the plan prior to the regular session. The plan shall conform to Sections 2, 3 and 4 of this
6 Article. Following each decennial census the General Assembly may by joint resolution
7 adopt a plan setting forth the boundaries of the legislative districts for the election of
8 members of the Senate and the House of Delegates, which plan shall conform to Sections
9 2, 3 and 4 of this Article. If a plan has been adopted by the General Assembly by the 45th
10 day after the opening of the regular session of the General Assembly in the second year
11 following every census, the plan adopted by the General Assembly shall become law. If no
12 plan has been adopted by the General Assembly for these purposes by the 45th day after
13 the opening of the regular session of the General Assembly in the second year following
14 every census, the Governor’s plan presented to the General Assembly shall become law. ]
15(2)   ON ADOPTION OF A PLAN, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION
16 SHALL:
17(I) CERTIFY THAT THE PLAN IS THE PLAN ADOPTED BY THE
18 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION; AND
19(II) SEND THE CERTIFIED PLAN TO THE PRESIDING OFFICERS
20 OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
21(3) (I)   ON RECEIPT OF A CERTIFIED PLAN SENT UNDER
22 PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE PRESIDING OFFICERS SHALL PREPARE
23 THE PLAN FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
24(II)
  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF EACH
25 OF THE TWO HOUSES, MAY CHALLENGE THE LEGALITY OF THE CERTIFIED PLAN.
26(III) IF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTES TO CHALLENGE THE
27 CERTIFIED PLAN, THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL:
281.     CONSIDER THE CHALLENGE; AND
292.     WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
30 VOTE, ISSUE A DECISION THAT AFFIRMS THE PLAN AS MEETING ALL
31 CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OR REJECTS THE PLAN AS
32 FAILING TO MEET CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
33(IV)
  IF THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND REJECTS THE
34 PLAN, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL ADOPT AND CERTIFY A NEW PLAN
6HOUSE BILL 2102
1 THAT ADDRESSES THE RULING OF THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND.
2(4)
  A PLAN CONSIDERED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL BE
3 TREATED IN THE SAME MANNER AS A BILL FOR PURPOSES OF PUBLICATION,
4 CODIFICATION, NOTIFICATION, AND DISTRIBUTION.
5(5)   A PLAN CERTIFIED BY THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL
6 BECOME LAW:
7(I)
  ON THE 31ST DAY AFTER CERTIFICATION IF THE GENERAL
8 ASSEMBLY DOES NOT CHALLENGE THE PLAN; OR
9(II)
  ON THE DAY THAT THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND
10 ISSUES A DECISION AFFIRMING THE PLAN IF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
11 CHALLENGED THE PLAN.
12(F) THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL PETITION THE SUPREME
13 COURT OF MARYLAND TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OR CONGRESSIONAL
14 DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 3 AND 4 OF
15 THIS ARTICLE OF THIS CONSTITUTION IF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION FAILS
16 TO ADOPT AND CERTIFY A PLAN UNDER THIS SECTION.
17(G)    Upon petition of any registered voter, the Supreme Court of Maryland shall
18 have original jurisdiction to review the legislative districting OR CONGRESSIONAL
19 DISTRICTING of the State and may grant appropriate relief, if it finds that the districting
20 of the State is not consistent with requirements of either the Constitution of the United
21 States of America, or the Constitution of Maryland.
22Article IV – Judiciary Department
23 14.
24The Supreme Court of Maryland shall be composed of seven justices, one from the
25 First Appellate Judicial Circuit consisting of Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen
26 Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties; one from the Second
27 Appellate Judicial Circuit consisting of Baltimore and Harford Counties; one from the Third
28 Appellate Judicial Circuit, consisting of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and
29 Washington Counties; one from the Fourth Appellate Judicial Circuit, consisting of Prince
30 George’s County; one from the Fifth Appellate Judicial Circuit, consisting of Anne Arundel,
31 Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties; one from the Sixth Appellate Judicial Circuit,
32 consisting of Baltimore City; and one from the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit,
33 consisting of Montgomery County. The Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall be
34 residents of their respective Appellate Judicial Circuits. The term of each Justice of the
35 Supreme Court of Maryland shall begin on the date of the Justice’s qualification. One of
36 the Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall be designated by the Governor as the
  HOUSE BILL 2102  7
1 Chief Justice. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall be co–extensive with
2 the limits of the State and such as now is or may hereafter be prescribed by law.
3 EXCLUSIVE AMONG THE STATE COURTS, THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND
4 SHALL HAVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION: (1) TO ESTABLISH THE LEGISLATIVE
5 DISTRICT PLAN AND THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN IN THE EVENT THAT A
6 PLAN IS NOT ENACTED UNDER SECTION 5 OF ARTICLE III OF THIS CONSTITUTION;
7 AND (2) TO CONSIDER A PETITION SEEKING REVIEW OF THE LEGALITY OF A PLAN TO
8 ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE OR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS ENACTED UNDER
9 SECTION 5 OF ARTICLE III OF THIS CONSTITUTION. It shall hold its sessions in the
10 City of Annapolis at such time or times as it shall from time to time by rule prescribe. Its
11 session or sessions shall continue not less than ten months in each year, if the business
12 before it shall so require, and it shall be competent for the justices temporarily to transfer
13 their sittings elsewhere upon sufficient cause. The salary of each Justice of the Supreme
14 Court of Maryland shall be that now or hereafter prescribed by the General Assembly and
15 shall not be diminished during the Justice’s continuance in office. Five of the justices shall
16 constitute a quorum, and five justices shall sit in each case unless the Supreme Court of
17 Maryland shall direct that an additional justice or justices sit for any case. The concurrence
18 of a majority of those sitting shall be sufficient for the decision of any cause, and an equal
19 division of those sitting in a case has the effect of affirming the decision appealed from if
20 there is no application for reargument as hereinafter provided. In any case where there is
21 an equal division or a three to two division of the Supreme Court of Maryland a reargument
22 before the full Court of seven justices shall be granted to the losing party upon application
23 as a matter of right.
24SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read
25 as follows:
26Article – Election Law
27SUBTITLE 7A. LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND
28APPORTIONMENT CONVENTION.
29 8–7A–01.
30(A)    IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
31 INDICATED.
32(B)“PLAN” MEANS THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR THE
33 PROPOSED CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN ADOPTED BY THE REDISTRICTING
34 CONVENTION.
35(C)“REDISTRICTING CONVENTION” MEANS THE LEGISLATIVE AND
36 CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND APPORTIONMENT CONVENTION.
37 8–7A–02.
8HOUSE BILL 2102
1      IT IS THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT:
2(1)  NEITHER THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS NOR THE CONGRESSIONAL
3 DISTRICTS BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF FAVORING OR DISCRIMINATING
4 AGAINST AN INCUMBENT OFFICEHOLDER, A CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE, OR A
5 POLITICAL PARTY; AND
6(2) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE COMPLY WITH AND
7 IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE III, §§ 2, 3, 4, AND 5 AND ARTICLE IV, §
8 14 OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION.
9 8–7A–03.
10     THERE IS A LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AND
11 APPORTIONMENT CONVENTION.
12 8–7A–04.
13      (A) ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2031, AND MARCH 1 EACH YEAR ENDING IN
14 THE NUMERAL 1 THEREAFTER, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL BE
15 ELECTED BY QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE STATE ON A DATE DETERMINED BY THE
16 STATE BOARD.
17      (B)  THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION IS
18 DESIGNED TO PRODUCE A REDISTRICTING CONVENTION THAT IS:
19(1)   INDEPENDENT FROM LEGISLATIVE INFLUENCE; AND
20(2)   REASONABLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE’S GEOGRAPHICAL
21 MAKEUP.
22 8–7A–05.
23      (A)   THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION CONSISTS OF 188 MEMBERS.
24      (B)   (1)SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, ON OR
25 BEFORE JULY 1, 2030, AND JULY 1 EACH YEAR ENDING IN THE NUMERAL 0
26 THEREAFTER, THE STATE BOARD SHALL APPORTION THE NUMBER OF SEATS FOR
27 THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION AMONG THE COUNTIES ACCORDING TO EACH
28 COUNTY’S POPULATION COUNT IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING DECENNIAL
29 CENSUS.
  HOUSE BILL 2102  9
1(2) EACH COUNTY SHALL HAVE AT LEAST THREE SEATS ON THE
2 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION.
3      (C)   EACH MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL BE
4 ELECTED AT LARGE BY THE QUALIFIED VOTERS IN THE COUNTY THAT THE MEMBER
5 SEEKS TO REPRESENT.
6      (D)   THE MEMBERS OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL CONSIST
7 OF THE CANDIDATES WHO RECEIVE THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES CAST WITHIN
8 EACH COUNTY.
9      (E) (1) TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING
10 CONVENTION, AN INDIVIDUAL MUST:
11(I)
  BE A REGISTERED VOTER WHO, FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS
12 IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF ELECTION, HAS BEEN:
131.CONTINUOUSLY REGISTERED IN THE  STATE WITH
14 THE SAME POLITICAL PARTY; OR
152.   CONTINUOUSLY NOT REGISTERED WITH A PRINCIPAL
16 POLITICAL PARTY;
17(II)   BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF ELECTION;
18(III) HAVE RESIDED IN THE STATE FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR
19 IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE ELECTION; AND
20(IV)
  HAVE RESIDED AND MAINTAINED A PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN
21 THE COUNTY THAT THE INDIVIDUAL SEEKS TO REPRESENT FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS
22 IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE ELECTION.
23(2)AN INDIVIDUAL IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR
24 MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION IF THE INDIVIDUAL IS:
25(I)    THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
26(II)
  A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM THE
27 STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
28(III) A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A CANDIDATE
29 FOR THAT OFFICE;
10HOUSE BILL 2102
1(IV) AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT  OFFICIAL   OR   A
2 CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE;
3(V)    AN OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY OR
4 POLITICAL COMMITTEE;
5(VI)   1.   A     CONTRACTOR      PROVIDING     PROFESSIONAL
6 SERVICES TO:
7A.   THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
8B. A MEMBER OF THE  GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A
9 CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR
10C.  A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM
11 THE STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR
122. A CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEE  OF   OR   A
13 CONSULTANT TO AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN ITEM 1 OF THIS ITEM;
14(VII) AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OF AN INDIVIDUAL
15 DESCRIBED IN ITEM (I), (II), (III), (IV), OR (V) OF THIS PARAGRAPH;
16(VIII) A STAFF MEMBER OF:
171.   THE GOVERNOR OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
182.   A MEMBER OF THE  GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A
19 CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE;
203.  A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ELECTED FROM
21 THE STATE OR A CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE; OR
224. AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OR A
23 CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE; OR
24(IX)   A CURRENT OR FORMER REGISTERED LOBBYIST.
25(3) A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION MAY NOT BE
26 ELECTED OR APPOINTED AS A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS OR MEMBER OF THE
27 GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING THE FIRST TERM OF OFFICE FOR WHICH THE
28 CONGRESSIONAL OR LEGISLATIVE PLAN CERTIFIED BY THE REDISTRICTING
29 CONVENTION TAKES EFFECT.
  HOUSE BILL 2102  11
1      (F)   (1) THE TERM OF A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION
2 CONTINUES UNTIL LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL PLANS BECOME LAW.
3(2) A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION IS ELIGIBLE
4 FOR REELECTION.
5      (G)   EACH MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL APPLY
6 THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE IN A MANNER THAT IS IMPARTIAL AND THAT
7 REINFORCES PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE INTEGRITY OF THE REDISTRICTING
8 PROCESS.
9      (H)   A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION:
10(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE
11 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION; BUT
12(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE
13 STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET.
14 8–7A–06.
15      (A)  THE 188 MEMBERS ELECTED UNDER § 8–7A–05(D) OF THIS SUBTITLE
16 SHALL SERVE AS THE MEMBERS OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION BEGINNING
17 ON THE DATE THEY ARE ELECTED UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE AND
18 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTING PLANS BECOME LAW.
19     (B) IF THERE IS A VACANCY IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE REDISTRICTING
20 CONVENTION, THE LOSING CANDIDATE FROM THE SAME COUNTY WHO RECEIVED
21 THE NEXT HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES SHALL FILL THE VACANCY FOR THE
22 REMAINDER OF THE TERM.
23      (C)   (1)   THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION MAY REMOVE A MEMBER:
24(I)    FOR NEGLECT OF DUTY;
25(II)   FOR MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE;
26(III) FOR A DISABILITY THAT MAKES THE MEMBER UNABLE TO
27 DISCHARGE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICE;
28(IV)FOR FAILING TO MAINTAIN THE QUALIFICATIONS UNDER §
29 8–7A–05 OF THIS SUBTITLE; OR
12HOUSE BILL 2102
1(V)IF THE MEMBER IS CONVICTED OF OR PLEADS GUILTY OR
2 NOLO CONTENDERE WITH RESPECT TO A FELONY OR CRIME INVOLVING MORAL
3 TURPITUDE, WHETHER OR NOT ANY APPEAL OR OTHER PROCEEDING IS PENDING TO
4 HAVE THE CONVICTION OR PLEA SET ASIDE.
5(2) BEFORE REMOVING A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING
6 CONVENTION, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL GIVE THE MEMBER:
7(I)    WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CHARGES; AND
8(II)   AN OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER THE CHARGES.
9(3)A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE REDISTRICTING
10 CONVENTION SHALL BE REQUIRED TO REMOVE A MEMBER OF THE REDISTRICTING
11 CONVENTION UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
12 8–7A–07.
13      (A) A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS ELECTED TO THE REDISTRICTING
14 CONVENTION IS A QUORUM.
15      (B)  FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERS, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL
16 ELECT A CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.
17      (C)  THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF
18 LEGISLATIVE SERVICES JOINTLY SHALL STAFF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION.
19 8–7A–08.
20      (A)   THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL:
21(1)  CONDUCT A PROCESS THAT IS OPEN AND TRANSPARENT TO
22 ENABLE FULL PUBLIC CONSIDERATION OF AND COMMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT
23 OF LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS;
24(2)   ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND CONGRESSIONAL
25 DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE REDISTRICTING STANDARDS ESTABLISHED UNDER
26 ARTICLE III, §§ 3 AND 4 OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION AND FEDERAL AND
27 STATE LAW; AND
28(3)   CONDUCT BUSINESS WITH INTEGRITY AND FAIRNESS.
  HOUSE BILL 2102  13
1      (B)   (1) THE ACTIVITIES OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION ARE
2 SUBJECT TO THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT AND THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT.
3(2)   MEETINGS OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL BE
4 LIVESTREAMED TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC  TO   OBSERVE   THE
5 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION.
6      (C)   (1)  THE MEMBERS OF EACH COUNTY DELEGATION TO THE
7 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL HOLD AT LEAST ONE HEARING IN THE COUNTY
8 THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR PUBLIC INPUT AND DELIBERATION THAT IS:
9(I)    SUBJECT TO PUBLIC NOTICE; AND
10(II)DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE CITIZEN OUTREACH AND TO
11 SOLICIT BROAD PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS.
12(2) EACH HEARING HELD UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
13 SUBSECTION SHALL BE SCHEDULED BEFORE THE CONSIDERATION OF ANY PLAN BY
14 THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION.
15 8–7A–09.
16      (A) (1) IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING EACH DECENNIAL CENSUS OF THE
17 UNITED STATES, OR WHEN OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW, THE REDISTRICTING
18 CONVENTION SHALL ADOPT PLANS TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND
19 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE STANDARDS AND
20 PROCESSES ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE, THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION,
21 AND FEDERAL LAW.
22(2)  ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR ENDING IN THE NUMERAL
23 1, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL APPROVE TWO PLANS:
24(I)
  ONE PLAN SHALL DESCRIBE THE DISTRICT BOUNDARY
25 LINES FOR THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF
26 DELEGATES; AND
27(II)ONE PLAN SHALL DESCRIBE THE DISTRICT BOUNDARY
28 LINES FOR THE STATE’S REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
29      (B)   THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL ISSUE WITH EACH PLAN:
30(1)MAPS SHOWING  THE   LEGISLATIVE    DISTRICTS   AND   THE
31 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS; AND
14HOUSE BILL 2102
1(2)   A REPORT THAT:
2(I) EXPLAINS THE BASIS ON WHICH THE REDISTRICTING
3 CONVENTION MADE ITS DECISIONS TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE CRITERIA
4 SPECIFIED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE; AND
5(II)
  INCLUDES DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS AND STANDARDS
6 USED IN DRAWING EACH PLAN.
7      (C)   ON ADOPTION OF A PLAN, THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL:
8(1) CERTIFY THAT THE PLAN IS THE PLAN ADOPTED BY THE
9 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION; AND
10(2) SEND THE CERTIFIED PLAN TO THE PRESIDING OFFICERS OF THE
11 GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
12      (D)   (1) ON RECEIPT OF A CERTIFIED PLAN SENT UNDER SUBSECTION (C)
13 OF THIS SECTION, THE PRESIDING OFFICERS SHALL PREPARE THE PLAN FOR
14 CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
15(2) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF EACH OF THE
16 TWO HOUSES, MAY CHALLENGE LEGALITY OF THE CERTIFIED PLAN.
17(3)  IF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTES TO CHALLENGE THE
18 CERTIFIED PLAN, THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL:
19(I)    CONSIDER THE CHALLENGE; AND
20(II) WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTE,
21 ISSUE A DECISION THAT AFFIRMS THE PLAN AS MEETING ALL CONSTITUTIONAL AND
22 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OR REJECTS THE PLAN AS FAILING TO MEET
23 CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
24(4) IF THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND REJECTS THE PLAN, THE
25 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL CERTIFY A NEW PLAN THAT ADDRESSES THE
26 RULING OF THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND.
27      (E)  A PLAN CONSIDERED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL BE TREATED
28 IN THE SAME MANNER AS A BILL FOR PURPOSES OF PUBLICATION, CODIFICATION,
29 NOTIFICATION, AND DISTRIBUTION.
  HOUSE BILL 2102  15
1      (F) A PLAN CERTIFIED BY THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL
2 BECOME LAW:
3(1)ON THE 31ST DAY AFTER CERTIFICATION IF THE  GENERAL
4 ASSEMBLY DOES NOT CHALLENGE THE PLAN; OR
5(2) ON THE DAY THAT THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND ISSUES A
6 DECISION AFFIRMING THE PLAN IF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CHALLENGED THE
7 PLAN.
8 8–7A–10.
9      (A)   THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL PETITION THE SUPREME
10 COURT OF MARYLAND TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OR CONGRESSIONAL
11 DISTRICTS IN CONFORMANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AND
12 STATUTORY STANDARDS IF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION FAILS TO ADOPT AND
13 CERTIFY A PLAN UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.
14      (B) THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL REPRESENT THE STATE
15 REGARDING ANY PETITION SEEKING A REVIEW OF A CERTIFIED PLAN.
16      (C)  IN ANY CASE BROUGHT IN A FEDERAL COURT TO REVIEW A PLAN, IF THE
17 REDISTRICTING CONVENTION IS NOT A PARTY TO THE CASE, THE REDISTRICTING
18 CONVENTION SHALL MOVE TO INTERVENE IN THE CASE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE.
19 8–7A–11.
20      (A) THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL HAVE ORIGINAL
21 JURISDICTION TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND CONGRESSIONAL
22 DISTRICTS IN CONFORMANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AND
23 STATUTORY STANDARDS IF:
24(1) THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION FAILS TO APPROVE A PLAN
25 UNDER THIS SUBTITLE; OR
26(2)     A REGISTERED VOTER FILES A PETITION UNDER SUBSECTION (B)
27 OF THIS SECTION.
28      (B) (1) ON THE ENACTMENT OF A LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PLAN OR A
29 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PLAN, ANY REGISTERED VOTER IN THE STATE MAY FILE
30 A PETITION WITH THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND TO BAR THE PLAN FROM
31 TAKING EFFECT ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE PLAN VIOLATES THE MARYLAND
32 CONSTITUTION, THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, OR A FEDERAL OR STATE
16HOUSE BILL 2102
1 STATUTE.
2(2)  THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION SHALL BE THE DEFENDANT IN
3 A PETITION FILED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION.
4      (C)  SUBJECT TO THE MARYLAND RULES, ANY REGISTERED VOTER OF THE
5 STATE MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCEEDING AS AN AMICUS CURIAE.
6      (D) (1) IF A PETITION IS FILED UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION,
7 THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND:
8(I)SHALL SET DEADLINES FOR THE FILING OF PLEADINGS AND
9 AMICUS CURIAE BRIEFS; AND
10(II)       MAY   APPOINT     A   SPECIAL   MASTER   TO   MAKE
11 RECOMMENDATIONS.
12(2) A SPECIAL MASTER APPOINTED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
13 SUBSECTION SHALL:
14(I)    HOLD A HEARING;
15(II)CONSIDER A PLAN APPROVED BY THE  REDISTRICTING
16 CONVENTION, IF ANY; AND
17(III) MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SUPREME COURT OF
18 MARYLAND.
19(3) WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPREME
20 COURT OF MARYLAND UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION, A PARTY MAY
21 FILE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SPECIAL MASTER.
22(4)
  BEFORE ORDERING ANY RELIEF, THE SUPREME COURT OF
23 MARYLAND SHALL:
24(I)    HOLD A HEARING;
25(II)CONSIDER A PLAN APPROVED BY THE  REDISTRICTING
26 CONVENTION, IF ANY; AND
27(III) CONSIDER ANY RECOMMENDATIONS OF A SPECIAL MASTER.
28      (E)   (1)   THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND MAY ORDER ANY RELIEF
  HOUSE BILL 2102  17
1 CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE.
2(2)    IN ORDERING RELIEF:
3(I)   IF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION ADOPTED AND
4 CERTIFIED A PLAN, THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND MAY APPROVE, MODIFY,
5 OR ADOPT A NEW PLAN; OR
6(II)
  IF THE REDISTRICTING CONVENTION HAS NOT ADOPTED
7 AND CERTIFIED A PLAN, THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL ESTABLISH
8 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE
9 STANDARDS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBTITLE AND ARTICLE III, §§ 3 AND 4 OF THE
10 MARYLAND CONSTITUTION.
11(F)  THE SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND SHALL GIVE PRIORITY TO RULING
12 ON A PETITION FILED UNDER THIS SECTION.
13SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the General Assembly
14 determines that the amendment to the Maryland Constitution proposed by Section 1 of this
15 Act affects multiple jurisdictions and that the provisions of Article XIV, § 1 of the Maryland
16 Constitution concerning local approval of constitutional amendments do not apply.
17SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the amendment to the
18 Maryland Constitution proposed by Section 1 of this Act shall be submitted to the qualified
19 voters of the State at the next general election to be held in November 2026 for adoption or
20 rejection in accordance with Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution. At that general
21 election, the vote on the proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be by ballot, and on
22 each ballot there shall be printed the words “For the Constitutional Amendment” and
23 “Against the Constitutional Amendment”, as now provided by law. Immediately after the
24 election, all returns shall be made to the Governor of the vote for and against the proposed
25 amendment, as directed by Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution, and further
26 proceedings held in accordance with Article XIV.
27SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act is
28 contingent on the passage of Section 1 of this Act, a constitutional amendment, and its
29 ratification by the voters of the State.
30SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to Section 5 of this
31 Act, Section 2 of this Act shall take effect on the proclamation of the Governor that the
32 constitutional amendment, having received a majority of the votes cast at the general
33 election, has been adopted by the people of Maryland.