Bill > HB1403

This bill establishes a new process in Maryland, known as the "Initiative," which allows citizens to propose new laws or amendments to existing laws and the state constitution through petitions. To utilize this process, citizens must first submit their proposal to the Secretary of State, and if a summary is included, it must be approved by the Attorney General for accuracy. Petitions for changes to general laws require signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, with no more than half of the signatures coming from Baltimore City or any single county. These petitions must be filed within 180 days after the General Assembly's final action on a related bill, and each paper of signatures must include an affidavit from the person who collected them, attesting to the genuineness of the signatures and the registered voter status of the signers. Once the Secretary of State verifies the required number of valid signatures, the proposal is certified for a vote. If certified at least 90 days before a general election, it will appear on that ballot; otherwise, it will be on the subsequent general election ballot. The text of the proposal will be published before the election, and voters will decide "For the Initiative Proposal" or "Against the Initiative Proposal." If a proposal for a general law receives at least 50% of the votes, or if a constitutional amendment receives at least two-thirds of the votes, it will become law after a proclamation by the Governor, taking effect 30 days later. In cases of conflicting proposals, only the one with the most votes will be enacted. Importantly, any initiative proposal enacted into law can only be amended or repealed within two years of its effective date if approved by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the General Assembly. This proposed constitutional amendment itself will be submitted to the voters in November 2026.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1403?ys=2026RS