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Bill > SB29
MD SB29
MD SB29Election Law - Petitions and Ballot Questions - Contents, Plain Language Requirement, and Procedures
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
04/11/2026
04/11/2026
Crossed Over
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Passed
05/12/2026
05/12/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/12/2026
05/12/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Altering the information that is required to be included on the signature page of a petition seeking to place a question on the ballot and with a question on the ballot; requiring that a certain summary included on the signature page of a petition seeking to place a question on the ballot and a certain statement about a question on the ballot be written in plain language; requiring certain boards of elections to post the text of ballot measures for at least 90 days before the general election; etc.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve the clarity and accessibility of information related to ballot questions and petitions by requiring that summaries and statements about ballot questions be written in plain language, meaning they should be easily understandable by voters and avoid legal jargon, double negatives, or the passive voice. It also mandates that the full text of ballot measures be posted by boards of elections for at least 90 days before a general election, providing more time for public review and comment on proposed changes to laws or the constitution. Additionally, the bill modifies the content required on the signature pages of petitions, ensuring a clear title and a plain language summary of the proposal, along with a statement explaining the practical outcome of each voting choice, are included.
Committee Categories
Education, Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 439 (on 05/12/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0029?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Chapters_noln/CH_439_sb0029t.pdf |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/votes_comm/sb0029_gvc.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/sb/sb0029t.pdf |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/votes_comm/sb0029_eee.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/sb/sb0029f.pdf |
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