How a Bill Becomes Law in Maryland
Passing legislation in Maryland is a complicated, multi-step process that allows input from citizens and lawmakers at many points along the way. Most bills require a simple majority. However, constitutional amendments and emergency legislation require three-fifths approval.
A bill, drafted and sponsored by a legislator in either the House of Delegates or the Senate, must be introduced during the first 55 days of a session. After that, two-thirds of the legislator's chamber must consent.
The bill must be read and voted upon three times in each chamber of the Maryland General Assembly.
The first reading is simply the title of the bill, its sponsor and its assignment to a committee.
The second reading occurs after the committee studies the bill through a hearing in which witnesses are invited to testify for or against it. Any amendments are usually proposed in committee. If the committee looks unfavorably upon the bill, it will die here. If not, it is sent to the chamber's full legislative body for a second reading. The chamber debates the bill and proposed amendments then votes.
The third reading is the final vote. No amendments may be offered at this time.
The same process is repeated in the other legislative chamber. However, a bill may be amended on third reading in the second chamber.
If it is not amended, the bill is sent back to its chamber of origin, which declares the bill passed by a voice vote.
If a bill was changed in the second chamber, it is returned to the first chamber for a vote on whether legislators concur or reject the changes. If they concur, it is sent back to the second chamber for a a final vote.
If the original chamber rejects the changes, the second chamber may withdraw its changes or the two chambers must hammer out a compromise for the bill to pass.
If the bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the governor for approval or veto. Depending on when the bill is presented, the governor has between 6 and 30 days to act. If he or she does not veto or sign the legislation within the time allowed, the bill becomes law automatically.
If the governor vetoes the bill, a vote by three-fifths of the General Assembly will overturn the veto. The governor may not veto constitutional amendments or the budget bill.
After a constitutional amendments is passed by three-fifths of the General Assembly, it is submitted to the voters for approval at the next general election. If a constitutional amendment affects only one county or only Baltimore City, it must receive a majority of votes cast in that jurisdiction as well as statewide.
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