Bill > HB482

This bill, titled the "Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission (Fair Districts for Maryland Act)," proposes significant changes to how legislative and congressional districts are drawn in Maryland. It establishes a new independent state government body, the Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission, tasked with dividing the state into districts. The bill outlines specific standards for drawing these districts, emphasizing that they must respect natural boundaries and the integrity of political subdivisions, be geographically contiguous and compact, and reflect communities of common interest. Crucially, the bill prohibits the consideration of how individuals are registered to vote, their past voting history, or their political party affiliation when drawing districts, and also forbids considering the domicile or residence of any individual, including current or potential officeholders. The Supreme Court of Maryland is given original jurisdiction to establish district plans if the Commission or the General Assembly fails to do so within specified timelines, and also to review the legality of any enacted plan. The bill also modifies the Attorney General's duties to exclude them from certain redistricting-related legal proceedings.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0482?ys=2026RS