Bill > HB1043

This bill establishes the Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2025, which aims to prevent voter suppression and vote dilution by creating comprehensive protections for voters, especially members of protected classes (defined as racial, color, or language minority groups). The bill introduces several key provisions, including new requirements for public notice of changes to election policies, prohibitions on local government actions that could disproportionately impact protected class voters, and a detailed framework for challenging potentially discriminatory election practices. Specifically, local governments are now prohibited from implementing election policies that result in material disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of protected class members to vote, with limited exceptions for policies that significantly further a compelling state interest. The bill establishes a robust legal mechanism for challenging such policies, allowing aggrieved persons, organizations, or the Attorney General to file actions in court, with courts empowered to order remedies ranging from changing election methods to adding voting hours or locations. The legislation also mandates that election-related laws be interpreted liberally in favor of protecting voting rights, requires detailed public notice for potential election changes, and establishes a pre-action notification process that gives local governments an opportunity to remedy potential voting rights violations before litigation. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and provides a comprehensive approach to protecting voting rights and preventing systemic discrimination in election processes.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1043?ys=2025RS