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MD SB5

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Cheryl Kagan

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires a special election to fill vacancies in the office of Delegate or Senator when the vacancy occurs on or before 55 days before the filing deadline for the regular statewide election held in the second year of the term
  • Special primary and general elections would be held concurrently with the regular statewide primary and general elections in that second year
  • Appointees to fill vacancies would serve only until a successor is elected, rather than for the full unexpired term, unless the vacancy occurs after the 55-day cutoff
  • Amends Article III (Legislative Department) and Article XVII (Quadrennial Elections) of the Maryland Constitution
  • Constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters at the November 2026 general election for approval; requires three-fifths majority in both houses to pass legislature

Legislative Description

General Assembly - Special Election to Fill a Vacancy in Office

Elections

Last Action

Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

2/6/2026

Committee Referrals

Government, Labor, and Elections2/6/2026
Education, Energy, and the Environment1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available