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MarylandSB 02412026 Regular SessionSenate

Election Law - Individuals Released From State Correctional Facilities - Automatic Restoration of Voter Registration

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsAddressesData -see also- Census; DemographicsElections, State Board ofElectronic CommunicationElectronic GovernmentEx-OffendersNoticesPersonal Identifying InformationPrivacyPublic Safety and Correctional Services, Department ofRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationStandards and Best PracticesVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Automatic voter registration after release

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland restores voter registration automatically for people released from state correctional facilities who were registered before and now live in Maryland. The Department sends the State Board a monthly electronic list with each person’s name, birth date, last four of SSN or ID, release date, and new home address. The State Board updates your registration to the new address, gives you active voter status, and mails a voter card with a notice that you can vote in all elections and how to decline or update your address. The state keeps private which agency handled your registration. Agencies must finish building and using the electronic process by January 1, 2028. This does not apply to people who were not registered before or who now live outside Maryland.

Voting rights notice at release

Beginning January 1, 2027, when you are discharged from a Maryland state correctional facility, the Department puts a voter registration application and a notice in your release papers saying your voting rights are restored. The Department also posts clear signs in every parole and probation office and a notice on its website stating that people who are no longer incarcerated have the right to vote.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kevin M. Harris

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 45

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 97 • No: 32 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 13 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 427

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (97-32)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/3/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/24/2026House

  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/9/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (31-13)

    3/6/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/4/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {903821/1 Adopted

    3/4/2026Senate

  11. Motion Laid Over (Senator Salling) Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  12. Favorable with Amendments {903821/1

    3/3/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/2/2026Senate

  14. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026Senate

  15. Hearing canceled

    2/9/2026Senate

  16. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/4/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/15/2026

    PDF

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