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MD HB44
MD HB44Election Law - Petitions and Ballot Questions - Contents, Plain Language Requirement, and Procedures
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
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 election petitions and ballot questions by requiring that summaries and titles be written in plain, understandable language, avoiding legal jargon, double negatives, and passive voice, similar to guidelines established by the federal Plain Writing Act of 2010. It also mandates that the full text of a proposal be available when signatures are collected for a petition seeking to place a question on the ballot, and that the practical outcome of each voting choice be clearly explained. The bill also sets specific timelines for the certification and public availability of ballot question information, including a 15-day public comment period before finalization, and requires that all relevant documents be posted online and made available to the public for at least 90 days before a general election.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Government, Labor, and Elections Hearing (14:00:00 2/4/2026 ) (on 02/04/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0044?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0044f.pdf |
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