The Maryland Senate adopted the chamber’s rules for the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 8, 2025, approving the rules in effect at the end of the 2024 session except for Rule 116.

Rule 116, which relates to changing the Senate’s rules (the transcript identifies it as a rule that requires a majority vote for a change), was set aside. The chair of the rules committee moved to make Rule 116 a special order until Jan. 16, 2025; the motion carried without objection.

The clerk recorded 44 votes in favor of adopting the rules (absent Rule 116). Senate leaders said the rules package will govern committee and floor procedure for the session while Rule 116 is considered at the special-ordered date.

Why it matters: Rule 116 affects how quickly members can change chamber procedures. The special order postpones that procedural change, leaving the broader rules in place for the start of business while giving senators time to review and debate Rule 116 before Jan. 16.