Bill > HB925

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for Maryland's participation in an amendments convention called under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The legislation creates a seven-member delegation of commissioners who must meet specific qualifications, including being a U.S. citizen for at least five years, a Maryland resident, at least 25 years old, and a registered voter. Commissioners are prohibited from being federal lobbyists, federal employees or contractors, or having held federal elected offices in the past 10 years. The bill requires commissioners to take a formal oath, and they can be recalled by the General Assembly or an advisory committee composed of three legislators. The commissioners are restricted in their actions, specifically prohibited from voting to change the convention's voting rules (where each state gets one vote) or proposing amendments that would alter fundamental individual liberty protections in the Constitution. An advisory committee will provide oversight, including the ability to advise commissioners on potential rule violations and remove commissioners who exceed their authorized scope. Commissioners will receive compensation and expenses similar to members of the Maryland House of Delegates, with strict limitations on accepting gifts or benefits. The law is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, and is designed to provide clear guidelines and constraints for Maryland's potential participation in a constitutional amendments convention.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0925?ys=2025RS