SB949Introduced in the Senate
Election Law - Absentee Ballots - State and Federal Requirements
Introduced by Cheryl Kagan, District 17
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Requiring the State Board of Elections and each local board of elections to refer to absentee ballots that are delivered to a voter by the Internet as "print-at-home ballots" in all communications with voters and the general public; providing that absentee ballots are considered timely and may be counted under certain circumstances; and establishing requirements regarding absentee ballots that apply if federal law or a federal court establish requirements for the timeliness of absentee ballots that differ from State requirements.
Where it stands
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 440
May 12, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Third Reading Passed · April 13, 2026
96
Yes
36
No
9
Absent or Not Voting
141 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Buckel | 1 | No |
| Terry Baker | 1 | No |
| Jim Hinebaugh | 1 | No |
| William Wivell | 2 | No |
| William Valentine | 2 | No |
| Matthew Schindler | 2 | Yes |
| Ken Kerr | 3 | Yes |
| Kris Fair | 3 | Not Voting |
| Karen Simpson | 3 | Yes |
| Barrie Ciliberti | 4 | No |
Bill history
First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
Favorable with Amendments {143222/1
Motion Laid Over (Senator Jennings) Adopted
Favorable with Amendments {143222/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (35-10)
Referred Rules and Executive Nominations
Rereferred to Government, Labor, and Elections
Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
Favorable Adopted
Second Reading Passed
Third Reading Passed (96-36)
Returned Passed
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 440
Verify the information
- Official page on the Maryland Legislature website
- Favorable with Amendments 143222/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Vote - Senate - Committee - Education, Energy, and the Environment (supplement)
- Vote - House - Committee - Government, Labor, and Elections (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
- Chaptered (text)
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