MD SB342

Prohibits election methods for county and municipal governing bodies that impair the ability of protected class members (defined by race, color, or language minority under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965) to elect candidates of their choice or influence election outcomes

Establishes that a violation occurs when elections exhibit polarized voting AND the election method dilutes or abridges the voting strength of protected class members, with alternative constitutional methods available that would mitigate the dilution

Authorizes the Attorney General and private individuals to bring enforcement actions in court seeking injunctive relief, damages, or other remedies, with courts granted broad authority to craft appropriate remedies

Requires courts to consider federal methodologies for estimating group voting behavior, governing body elections, ballot question elections, and elections with protected class candidates when determining polarized voting

Takes effect October 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause ensuring other provisions remain in effect if any part is struck down by a court