Bill > SB2

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that modifies the process for filling vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly's Delegate or Senator positions. Currently, when a vacancy occurs, the Governor appoints a replacement nominated by the political party's Central Committee. The proposed amendment changes how long an appointed individual serves by introducing a timing-dependent approach. If a vacancy occurs 55 days or more before the candidate filing deadline in the second year of the term, the Governor must call a special primary and general election to be held simultaneously with the regular statewide elections. In such cases, the appointed individual serves only until a successor is elected. However, if the vacancy occurs less than 55 days before the candidate filing deadline, the appointed individual serves for the remainder of the term. The bill ensures that the replacement comes from the same political party as the vacating official and maintains the existing process for submitting names to the Governor. The proposed constitutional amendment will be submitted to voters in the November 2026 general election for approval or rejection, following standard constitutional amendment procedures in Maryland.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0002?ys=2025RS