Delegate Emily Shetty

Debate has begun on HB488. This legislation would enact a new Congressional Map for 2026 and contains a Constitutional Amendment which would go to the voters authorizing the 2026 map to be used for the rest of the census period (2028, 2030 elections). The bill also clarifies one constitutional provision on redistricting and makes a change to the constitution regarding Maryland Supreme Court jurisdiction.

See below for a description of each provision.

1. A New Map for 2026 Congressional Elections - This emergency bill implements a congressional map based on the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission (GRAC) concept recommendation. Minor adjustments were made to the GRAC map to ensure every district had perfect population balance.

2. A Referendum on Using the New Map in 2028 & 2030 - The bill also contains a constitutional amendment that would ensure full public input and approval to maintain this map for the 2028 and 2030 elections. If the voters reject the map, we would return to using the current Congressional map until the next census.

3. Reaffirming the Maryland Constitution Doesn’t Govern Congressional Redistricting - HB488 clarifies that redistricting guidelines in Article III Section IV of the Maryland Constitution only apply to General Assembly districts, precisely as the text of that section already says. Thus closing the door on further misinterpretation by recent courts on this question.

4. Expediting Review of Congressional Districts by the Supreme Court of Maryland - Lastly, this bill gives the General Assembly the power to expedite review of congressional districts directly to the Maryland Supreme Court, rather than waiting for lengthy appeals.

Watch live on the Maryland General Assembly’s website.