Bill > SB289

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would remove the requirement for Baltimore City to submit certain debt and credit ordinances to city voters for approval. Currently, the Baltimore City Charter requires that debt ordinances be put to a public vote and approved by a majority of voters. The proposed amendment would eliminate this voter approval requirement, instead allowing debt to be authorized either by a majority vote of the Baltimore City representatives in the General Assembly or by an act of the General Assembly. The bill specifies that the proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the ballot during the November 2026 general election, where voters statewide will decide whether to adopt the change. If approved, the amendment would give Baltimore City more flexibility in creating and managing municipal debt by removing the current mandatory voter referendum process. The bill includes provisions for how the ballot language will be structured and what happens after the election, ensuring that the proposed constitutional change follows proper legal procedures for amending Maryland's state constitution.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0289?ys=2025RS