Bill > HB174

This bill proposes an amendment to the Maryland Constitution that modifies the process for filling vacancies in the state legislature (General Assembly). The bill specifies that when a Delegate or Senator's seat becomes vacant due to death, disqualification, resignation, refusal to act, expulsion, or removal from their district, the Governor must appoint a replacement. The replacement must be recommended by the Central Committee of the political party of the vacating legislator within 30 days, and must be from the same political party and district. If no name is submitted within 30 days, the Governor can appoint an eligible individual from the same party. The bill introduces new provisions about how long the appointed individual will serve: if the vacancy occurs more than 55 days before the filing deadline for the second year of the term, a special primary and general election will be held concurrently with the regular statewide elections to permanently fill the seat. If the vacancy occurs less than 55 days before that deadline, the appointed individual will serve for the remainder of the term. The proposed constitutional amendment will be put to voters in the November 2026 general election for approval or rejection, following standard constitutional amendment procedures.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0174?ys=2025RS