Maryland lawmakers to meet in August for special session on redistricting

Maryland lawmakers will convene in a special session next month to debate a ballot initiative on redistricting, with Gov. Wes Moore backing the effort. In a joint release Tuesday, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk said the General Assembly will meet Aug. 3-5 to consider legislation proposing a constitutional amendment. If three-fifths of the state Senate and House approve it, voters will decide on the measure Nov. 3. The release did not provide amendment language, but said it would “clarify” the state constitution after a Maryland judge struck down a congressional map lawmakers proposed in 2022. That earlier map could have allowed Democrats to flip Rep. Andy Harris’s seat in 2028. Ferguson cited an April Supreme Court decision that weakened a key Voting Rights Act provision, arguing Maryland needs a “clear legal path forward.” Moore said the administration will work closely with lawmakers as national redistricting reform remains pending.