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Bill

SB 104

Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission (Fair Districts for Maryland Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey and 12 co-sponsors

Creates independent commission to replace legislature-controlled redistricting process, aiming to reduce partisan gerrymandering in Maryland's electoral districts.

First Reading Senate Rules
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Bill Summary · SB 104

Legislative bill overview

SB 104 would establish an independent redistricting commission to handle Maryland's legislative and congressional district boundaries, removing this responsibility from the legislature. The bill aims to create a more transparent, nonpartisan process for redrawing electoral maps following each decennial census.

Why is this important

Redistricting directly determines electoral competitiveness and political representation. Currently, the legislature controls this process, which can lead to partisan gerrymandering where the party in power draws maps favoring their candidates. An independent commission could produce more competitive districts and increase public trust in the fairness of elections.

Potential points of contention

  • Commission composition and bias concerns: Questions about how commission members are selected, whether safeguards truly prevent partisan influence, and whether the process will actually be "independent" from political pressures
  • Compliance with Voting Rights Act: Ensuring redistricting maintains protections for minority voting rights while pursuing competitiveness—balancing these goals can be legally complex
  • Implementation timeline and legal challenges: Establishing new procedures close to the 2026 redistricting cycle could create logistical complications and face constitutional challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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