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SB 645

Relating to the regulation of public property with respect to persons experiencing homelessness; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Bonham

MD gubernatorial primaries move from the last Tuesday in June to the fourth Tuesday in June; effective Oct 1, 2025; first applied to the 2026 cycle.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 645

SB 645 — Election Law — Gubernatorial Primary Election Date (Chapter 311)

Status: Approved by the Governor; Chapter 311. Effective date: October 1, 2025.
Introduced: Jan 25, 2025 (Sen. Kagan). Crossfile: HB 945.

Purpose

To change the statutory date for Maryland’s statewide primary election in years when the Governor is elected, moving it from the “last Tuesday in June” to the “fourth Tuesday in June.”

Key provisions

  • Amends Article — Election Law, § 8‑201 to specify:
    • In gubernatorial election years, the statewide primary shall be held on the fourth Tuesday in June (replacing “last Tuesday in June”).
    • The presidential-year primary remains on the fourth Tuesday in April.
    • Baltimore City municipal primaries (in presidential years) remain on the fourth Tuesday in April.
  • Effective October 1, 2025, so the new rule will apply to the next gubernatorial primary occurring after that date (the 2026 cycle).

Who is affected

  • Voters and candidates participating in Maryland gubernatorial primaries.
  • State and local election officials (Maryland State Board of Elections, local boards), because the statutory date used for scheduling, ballot deadlines, and related election administration is changed.
  • Political parties, campaigns, and election service vendors that plan calendars, filings, and logistics around the primary date.

Timing and implementation

  • The act takes effect Oct 1, 2025. The first gubernatorial primary under the new date will be the primary for the next gubernatorial election year occurring after that effective date (2026).
  • The bill does not itself amend filing deadlines, ballot certification deadlines, or other timing provisions; those remain governed by existing law tied to the statutory primary date and any administrative rules that reference it.

Fiscal impact

  • Maryland Department of Legislative Services fiscal note: the change is not expected to materially affect State or local finances.

Legislative history (high level)

  • Introduced in the Senate (Sen. Kagan) Jan 25, 2025. Referred to committee, received favorable committee reports, passed both chambers, and was enacted as Chapter 311. Crossfile HB 945 accompanied the Senate measure.

Practical effect

The change standardizes the gubernatorial primary to the “fourth Tuesday in June” (rather than the variable “last Tuesday in June”), which in some years will alter the calendar week on which the primary falls. Election administrators, candidates, and parties should adjust planning and schedules accordingly.

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

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