Bill > HB816

This bill modifies Maryland's election laws to enhance the clarity and accessibility of ballot petition and ballot question language. The State Board of Elections will be required to prepare guidelines for using plain language, which includes avoiding passive voice, legal jargon, and double negatives. For petitions seeking to place a question on the ballot, signature pages must now include a brief title describing the ballot question's topic or goal, a summary written in plain, clear language that a voter can easily understand, and a brief statement explaining the practical outcome of each voting choice. Similarly, ballot questions themselves must now feature a title and condensed statement in plain language that voters can comprehend without technical legal explanations. The bill also adjusts certification deadlines for ballot questions, requiring various state and local authorities to prepare and submit ballot question information by July 1 preceding a general election. Additionally, the State Board must make submitted information publicly available for a 15-day comment period and ensure that complete text of various types of ballot questions are posted online and accessible to the public for at least 65 days before the general election. These changes aim to make ballot petitions and questions more transparent and easier for voters to understand. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0816?ys=2025RS