Voters could shift redistricting to an elected convention

Each legislative district would elect three House of Delegates members from separate single-member districts. This applies to legislative districts used to elect members of the House of Delegates. The change would require approval of the proposed constitutional amendment by Maryland voters. The change would take effect if voters ratify the amendment; the bill does not state a separate start date.

An elected 188-member convention would draw Maryland’s legislative and congressional district plans. Qualified voters would elect convention members by county. Each county would receive at least three seats, and candidates would face residency, age, political-registration, and conflict-of-interest rules. The convention would have to work through an open process and follow Maryland and federal redistricting standards. Members could not receive pay, but they could receive expense reimbursement under state travel rules and the state budget. The convention’s statutory rules depend on voter approval and ratification of the constitutional amendment. The first convention election would occur by March 1, 2031, with later elections in years ending in 1; county seat assignments would be made by July 1 of the preceding year ending in 0.

The convention would certify district plans, while the General Assembly could challenge them and the Supreme Court of Maryland would decide whether they meet legal requirements. The process covers legislative and congressional plans. Any registered Maryland voter could also ask the Supreme Court to block a plan for violating the state or federal Constitution or law. If the convention rejects or fails to certify a plan, the Supreme Court could establish districts itself. The Supreme Court would have to rule within 30 days after a General Assembly challenge. If the court rejects a plan, the convention would have to certify a new plan addressing the ruling. A certified plan would become law 31 days after certification if the General Assembly does not challenge it, or when the Supreme Court affirms it after a challenge.