Detailed Information
Introduction to the Maryland General Assembly
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
The Maryland General Assembly is the state legislature responsible for creating, amending, and repealing laws that govern the state.
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
The legislative process is where the decisions that shape our communities and our future are made.
The Maryland General Assembly Legislative Process
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
How to Write or Call Your Elected Officials to Make Your Voice Heard
The legislative process in Maryland involves several structured steps to transform a bill into law.
How to Write or Call Your Elected Officials to Make Your Voice Heard
Tracking Legislation, Registering for Testimony, and Delivering Effective Testimony
How to Write or Call Your Elected Officials to Make Your Voice Heard
Reaching out to your elected officials is one of the most impactful ways to influence decision-making and ensure your concerns are heard
Tracking Legislation, Registering for Testimony, and Delivering Effective Testimony
Tracking Legislation, Registering for Testimony, and Delivering Effective Testimony
Tracking Legislation, Registering for Testimony, and Delivering Effective Testimony
Staying informed about bills relevant to your interests is crucial for effective civic engagement.
Legislative Dates and Reference Documents
Tracking Legislation, Registering for Testimony, and Delivering Effective Testimony
Tracking Legislation, Registering for Testimony, and Delivering Effective Testimony
To support your understanding of the legislative process and empower effective advocacy, we’ve provided four key reference documents.
Introduction to the Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland General Assembly is the state legislature responsible for creating, amending, and repealing laws that govern the state. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, it consists of two chambers: the Senate, with 47 members, and the House of Delegates, with 141 members. Together, these legislators represent the diverse interests of Maryland's communities.
Operating annually for 90 days beginning in January, the General Assembly addresses critical issues, including the state budget, public health, education, transportation, and more. It also plays a vital role in confirming executive appointments and overseeing state agencies.
The legislative process is designed to encourage public participation. Residents can engage by attending hearings, providing testimony, and contacting their representatives. For those unfamiliar with the system, learning about legislative terms, procedures, and how to track bills ensures your voice is heard in shaping Maryland's laws.
Whether you're an advocate, a community leader, or simply a concerned citizen, understanding the General Assembly is key to effective civic engagement.
The Power of Citizen Engagement in the Legislative Process
The People Matter!
The legislative process is where the decisions that shape our communities and our future are made. From funding our schools to protecting the environment and ensuring fair representation, the laws created in state legislatures directly impact our daily lives. Yet, this process only works effectively when citizens actively participate. By voicing your opinions and sharing your expertise, you help ensure that lawmakers understand the real-world implications of their decisions.
Engaging in the legislative process doesn’t require special training or insider knowledge. It starts with staying informed about proposed legislation and connecting with your elected representatives. Attending hearings, submitting written testimony, or even a simple phone call to a legislator can make a significant difference. When citizens speak up, legislators take notice—and the policies enacted better reflect the values and needs of the people they serve.
Important Legislation to Protect Maryland’s Land and Communities
This legislative session, a critical opportunity has emerged to protect Maryland’s land and prevent harmful projects like the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP). New legislation is being introduced to halt the MPRP, safeguard farmland, and establish stronger protections for our state’s natural resources. These measures are designed to preserve Maryland’s rural character and prevent future projects that threaten our environment and quality of life.
We will need your help to ensure this legislation becomes law. Your voice can sway the outcome by contacting legislators and providing testimony during bill hearings in Annapolis. Whether you are a farmer, a landowner, or someone who values Maryland’s rich natural heritage, your story matters. Together, we can demonstrate the widespread support for protecting our land and stopping destructive projects like the MPRP.
How You Can Make a Difference
In the coming weeks, we will share updates on these bills and provide easy ways for you to get involved. This will include sample letters to send to your legislators and guidance on how to submit testimony. Your participation will be key in showing lawmakers the strength of public opposition to the MPRP and support for preserving Maryland’s farmland and open spaces.
Let’s show Annapolis that Marylanders stand united in protecting our land, supporting our farmers, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s make our voices heard!
In the meantime, we have created several resources to help you better understand the Maryland General Assembly, the process, the calendar, and how you can register for updates, watch legislation and participate. Please see our website for Your Guide to the Maryland General Assembly and Citizen Advocacy.
The Maryland General Assembly Legislative Process
The legislative process in Maryland involves several structured steps to transform a bill into law. Here's an overview:
1. First Reading and Committee Referral: When the legislative session begins, the Reading Clerk announces the numbers and titles of newly introduced bills and specifies the committee assignments designated by the presiding officer.
2. Committee Hearings and Deliberations: Assigned committees convene daily to review bills, during which they receive testimony from various stakeholders, including citizens, lobbyists, state agency officials, and local government representatives. The Department of Legislative Services provides a fiscal analysis for each bill, known as a fiscal note, which is considered during committee deliberations.
3. Committee Reporting: After deliberation, the committee reports the bill back to the chamber floor with a recommendation: favorable, unfavorable, favorable with amendments, or occasionally, no recommendation. If the committee amends the bill, the chamber votes on the amendments and then on the amended bill. While it's uncommon, committee decisions can be overturned. Additionally, any member may propose further amendments from the floor.
4. Second and Third Readings: Following the committee stage, the bill undergoes a second reading, where members debate its merits and consider any additional amendments. After successful passage during the second reading, the bill proceeds to a third reading, which involves a final vote in the originating chamber.
5. Consideration in the Opposite Chamber: If approved, the bill moves to the opposite chamber (House or Senate), where it undergoes a similar process: first reading, committee referral, hearings, and second and third readings.
6. Resolution of Differences: Should the second chamber amend the bill; it returns to the original chamber for concurrence. If the original chamber disagrees with the amendments, a conference committee comprising members from both chambers may be formed to reconcile differences.
7. Final Approval and Governor's Action: Once both chambers agree on the final version, the bill is presented to the Governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. If vetoed, the General Assembly may override the veto with a three-fifths majority in both chambers.
This structured process ensures thorough evaluation and debate of proposed legislation, incorporating input from legislators, experts, and the public to create balanced and effective laws for the state of Maryland.
How to Write or Call to Make Your Voice Heard
Writing Your Elected Officials
Writing to your elected officials is a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard on the issues that matter most to you. We cannot stress this enough… personalized letters or emails are especially impactful because they highlight how legislation directly affects real people and communities. By sharing specific examples or personal experiences, you help your representative understand why their actions on this issue are so important.
We’ve created this template as a guide to help you craft a thoughtful, compelling message that communicates your unique perspective and urges your elected official to take action. Please take the time to customize this and let your voice shine through. We know, for certain, personalized messages that come from the heart are very impactful and important.
Calling Your Elected Officials
Calling your elected officials is a direct and impactful way to share your concerns and influence their decisions. A well-prepared call can make a strong impression, especially when you provide specific, personal viewpoints about how an issue affects you or your community. This outline will help you organize your thoughts, ensuring your message is clear, concise, and compelling. By expressing your personal connection to the issue and articulating key points, you can effectively advocate for the changes you want to see. Remember, your voice matters, and your story can inspire action!
Outline for Preparing Comments for a Phone Call to an Elected Official Introduction
Introduction
- State your name and where you live (e.g., "My name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town/County].").
- Mention that you are a constituent of the official's district.
Purpose of the Call
- Clearly state the reason for your call (e.g., "I’m calling to express my support for [Bill Number or Title].").
- Mention the issue at hand and why it is important (e.g., "This legislation is critical to protecting Maryland’s farmland and stopping harmful projects like the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.").
Personal Connection
- Share a brief personal story or connection to the issue (e.g., "As a farmer in [County], this project directly threatens my livelihood and the sustainability of our community.").
- Explain how the legislation will positively impact you, your family, or your community.
Key Points to Support Your Position
- Highlight 2-3 key reasons why the legislation is important.
- Use facts or data if applicable (e.g., "Studies show projects like the MPRP decrease property values and disrupt local ecosystems.").
Call to Action
- Clearly state what you want the official to do (e.g., "I urge you to support [Bill Number or Title] and vote in favor of its passage.").
- Request their commitment to the issue, if appropriate (e.g., "Can I count on you to advocate for this bill in committee hearings?").
Thank You and Follow-Up
- Thank the official or their staff for taking the time to listen to your concerns (e.g., "Thank you for your time and for representing our community.").
- Offer to provide additional information or resources if needed (e.g., "If you need more details or examples, I’d be happy to share them.").
- Leave Contact Information
- Provide your phone number or email in case follow-up is needed (e.g., "You can reach me at [Your Phone Number or Email].").
To learn more about the legislative committees, members, and how to contact the members, please see Committees and Subcommittees.
Tracking Legislation and Giving Testimony
Tracking Legislation
Staying informed about bills relevant to your interests is crucial for effective civic engagement. Maryland citizens can track legislation through the Maryland General Assembly website, which offers tools to:
- Search for Bills: Use keywords, bill numbers, or sponsors to locate specific bills.
- View Bill Histories: See the progress of a bill through the legislative process, including committee assignments and votes.
- Subscribe to Alerts: Sign up for notifications about updates on specific bills or topics of interest.
The website also provides access to hearing schedules, fiscal and policy notes, and related documents to keep you informed.
Registering to Provide Testimony
Participating in public hearings is an impactful way to make your voice heard. Here’s how to register:
- Create an Account: Register on the General Assembly’s MyMGA platform to track bills and sign up for testimony opportunities.
- Check Hearing Schedules: Identify hearings for bills you want to testify on through the calendar on the MGA website.
- Sign Up in Advance: Registration typically opens 24–48 hours before a hearing. Use MyMGA to sign up to testify in person or submit written testimony.
Each chamber has specific guidelines for providing testimony, so familiarize yourself with the rules to ensure your participation is accepted.
Delivering Effective Testimony
Making a strong impression during testimony requires preparation and clarity. Follow these tips to maximize your impact:
- Be Concise and Focused: Keep your testimony brief (2-3 minutes) and focused on the main points you want to convey.
- Tell Your Story: Personalize your message with anecdotes or examples to illustrate how the bill affects you or your community.
- Support Your Arguments: Use data, research, or expert opinions to strengthen your case.
- Be Respectful: Address lawmakers formally and remain polite, even when expressing disagreement.
- Practice: Rehearse your testimony to ensure you stay within time limits and communicate confidently.
By tracking legislation, registering to testify, and delivering effective testimony, you play a vital role in shaping Maryland’s laws and advocating for the issues that matter most to you.
Monitoring the Legislative Calendar for Meetings
Tracking the legislative calendar is essential for staying informed about upcoming meetings, hearings, and key events. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you monitor the Maryland General Assembly’s calendar:
Access the Legislative Calendar
- Visit the Maryland General Assembly’s website: mgaleg.maryland.gov.
- Navigate to the Legislation tab or directly access the Calendar section from the homepage.
View the Daily and Weekly Schedules
- Daily Schedule: Check this for information on committee hearings, bill readings, and voting sessions happening each day.
- Weekly Schedule: Provides an overview of meetings and events planned for the week ahead, helping you plan your engagement in advance.
Search for Specific Hearings or Meetings
- Use the search bar to filter meetings by:
- Bill Number: Locate hearings related to specific legislation.
- Committee Name: Find meetings scheduled for a particular committee (e.g., Environment and Transportation Committee).
- Date: Check events happening on a specific day.
Sign Up for Notifications
- Create an account on the MyMGA platform, where you can:
- Subscribe to updates on bills or topics of interest.
- Receive email alerts when hearings or meetings are scheduled.
Review Meeting Details
Click on a specific meeting or hearing to view:
- Time and Location: Know when and where the meeting will take place (virtual or in-person).
- Agenda: Review the topics or bills being discussed.
- Public Participation Guidelines: Check deadlines for submitting testimony or signing up to speak.
Bookmark or Download the Calendar
Use the website’s tools to:
- Add events to your personal calendar.
- Download PDFs of the schedule for offline access.
Stay Flexible
- Meeting schedules may change due to legislative priorities or unforeseen events. Regularly check the calendar for updates to avoid missing key events.
By monitoring the legislative calendar, you can stay informed, plan your participation, and ensure your voice is heard during Maryland’s legislative session.
Legislative Dates and Reference Documents
Tracking Legislation
To support your understanding of the legislative process and empower effective advocacy, we’ve provided four key reference documents.
The 2025 Session Bill Introduction Dates outline important deadlines for submitting and introducing legislation, ensuring timely participation. The Explanation of Floor Motions and Legislative Actions defines key procedural motions and actions taken during legislative sessions, helping you follow and interpret legislative progress. The Legislative Lingo glossary demystifies the terminology used in the Maryland General Assembly, making the process more accessible. Finally, the 2025 Legislative Thesaurus serves as a comprehensive index of topics and terms to facilitate tracking and researching legislation.
These resources are invaluable for anyone seeking to engage in the legislative process effectively and advocate for Maryland’s future.
2025 Session Bill Introduction Dates
Outlines key deadlines for introducing legislation during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session:
- January 17: Deadline for requesting bill drafting from the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) to guarantee timely introduction.
- February 3: Senate bill introduction deadline (bills submitted after are sent to the Senate Rules Committee).
- February 7: House bill introduction deadline (late submissions referred to the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee).
- March 3: Final day for introducing bills without requiring suspension of rules
Explanation of Floor Motions and Legislative Actions
Provides definitions and explanations for various procedural motions and legislative actions used in the Maryland General Assembly:
- Examples include "Motion to Adjourn Sine Die," "Motion to Lay on the Table," and "Motion to Reconsider."
- Legislative actions such as second and third readings of bills, adoption of amendments, and final enrollment processes are explainedcurrent-motions.
Legislative Lingo
A glossary of legislative terms specific to the Maryland General Assembly:
- Defines terms like "blue back" (original printed bill), "crossfiled bill" (identical bills introduced in both chambers), "guarantee date," and "conference committee."
- Useful for understanding legislative jargon and processes
2025 Legislative Thesaurus
A reference tool categorizing subjects and terms to aid in tracking and researching legislation:
- Includes standardized terms like "absentee voting," "emergency bills," "environmental incentives," and "tax credits."
- Each term connects to broader or related topics to enhance search efficiencycurrent-thesaurus.