Bill
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
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Passed
Dead
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 of ballot questions and the information on petition signature pages be written in plain, easy-to-understand language, avoiding legal jargon, double negatives, and the passive voice. It also mandates that the full text of ballot measures be posted for public inspection for at least 90 days before a general election, and that the State Board of Elections provide guidelines for preparing this plain language content, considering federal standards. Additionally, the bill clarifies the content required on signature pages for petitions, including a brief title and a summary of the proposal's practical outcomes for voters, and ensures that the full text of a proposal is available when signatures are being collected if a summary is used.
Committee Categories
Education, Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred Government, Labor, and Elections (on 02/06/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
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/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 |
Loading...