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MarylandSB 02552026 Regular SessionSenate

Voting Rights Act of 2026 - Counties and Municipal Corporations

Sponsored By: Charles E. Sydnor (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsAttorney GeneralCivil Rights and Social EquityCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DiscriminationEmergency BillsHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.MinoritiesMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPolitical CandidatesSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger protections for local minority voters

The law bans local election methods that weaken the voting power of racial, color, or language minority voters. It defines protected classes and explains what “polarized voting” means. Courts use methods from federal cases and look at local races, ballot questions, and races with protected‑class candidates. Elections held before a lawsuit carry more weight, and courts do not need a set number of elections or proof of intent or partisanship. Members do not have to live close together to prove a case. Courts may also consider past discrimination and current barriers to civic participation.

Lawsuits and court fixes for local elections

The Maryland Attorney General and any person can sue in the county where a violation happened. Courts can order tailored fixes and do not have to favor a plan just because the local government offered it. A court cannot force a voting method not used in other Maryland counties unless the local government agrees. Winning private plaintiffs can get reasonable attorney’s fees, expert fees, and costs. For an upcoming election, a court can grant temporary relief when the plaintiff is more likely than not to win and a fix can be put in place in time.

Applies only to county and city races

This title covers only elections run by counties and municipal corporations. It does not apply to statewide races. It binds local governments and helps local voters.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Charles E. Sydnor

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Kevin M. Harris

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 585 • No: 663

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 91 • No: 19 • Other: 30

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Motion Limit Debate (Senator King) Adopted

Yes: 33 • No: 13 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 14 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Motion Vote Previous Question (Delegate Stein) Adopted

Yes: 90 • No: 37 • Other: 13

House vote • 4/11/2026

Floor Amendment {493427/1 (Delegate Hornberger) Rejected

Yes: 35 • No: 86 • Other: 12

House vote • 4/11/2026

Floor Amendment {663122/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected

Yes: 36 • No: 88 • Other: 8

House vote • 4/11/2026

Floor Amendment {183626/1 (Delegate Buckel) Rejected

Yes: 36 • No: 86 • Other: 11

House vote • 4/11/2026

Floor Amendment {513920/1 (Delegate Buckel) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 88 • Other: 8

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 94 • No: 35 • Other: 5

House vote • 4/11/2026

Floor Amendment {123028/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected

Yes: 34 • No: 92 • Other: 7

House vote • 4/11/2026

Floor Amendment {553021/1 (Delegate Buckel) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 90 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 30 • No: 15 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 157

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (91-19)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Motion Vote Previous Question (Delegate Stein) Adopted (90-37)

    4/13/2026House

  5. Conference Committee Report {233429/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  6. Third Reading Passed (32-14)

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Conference Committee Report {233429/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Motion Limit Debate (Senator King) Adopted (33-13)

    4/13/2026Senate

  9. Conference Committee Report {233429/1

    4/13/2026Senate

  10. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Wells, Fair and Stewart)

    4/13/2026Senate

  11. House Refuses Recede

    4/13/2026Senate

  12. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Wells, Fair and Stewart)

    4/13/2026House

  13. House Refuses Recede

    4/13/2026House

  14. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Kagan, Harris and Simonaire)

    4/13/2026House

  15. Senate Requests House Recede

    4/13/2026House

  16. Senate Refuses Concur House Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  17. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Kagan, Harris and Simonaire)

    4/13/2026Senate

  18. Senate Requests House Recede

    4/13/2026Senate

  19. Senate Refuses Concur House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  20. Third Reading Passed (94-35)

    4/11/2026House

  21. Floor Amendment {513920/1 (Delegate Buckel) Rejected (37-88)

    4/11/2026House

  22. Floor Amendment {183626/1 (Delegate Buckel) Rejected (36-86)

    4/11/2026House

  23. Floor Amendment {493427/1 (Delegate Hornberger) Rejected (35-86)

    4/11/2026House

  24. Floor Amendment {553021/1 (Delegate Buckel) Rejected (37-90)

    4/11/2026House

  25. Floor Amendment {123028/1 (Delegate M. Morgan) Rejected (34-92)

    4/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/5/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/16/2026

    PDF

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