Hearing on HB925: bill would set Maryland framework for participation in Article V amendments convention

Delegate Mark Fisher, of Calvert County, introduced House Bill 925 to the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee as legislation to establish Maryland’s procedures should an amendments convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution be convened.

"The bill requires in the next regular session of the general assembly, following the fulfillment of the required number of states invoking Article V ... to appoint a delegation to the convention and an advisory committee," Delegate Mark Fisher said for the record.

Two witnesses testified in support. Steve Patton, identified himself as a resident of District 42C, told the committee the bill is not an Article V resolution and does not add Maryland to any list of states applying for a convention. "This legislation does not add Maryland to any of the growing lists of states calling for an Article V convention of states," Patton said. "It is legislation that establishes a framework for Maryland's participation in an Article V convention once the 34-state threshold is attained."

Seth Lipko described specifics the bill would create: a bicameral oversight committee to select and recall commissioners, qualifications for commissioners, an oath to bind commissioners to the state's instructions, limits on gifts, and protections for civil-rights amendments. Lipko said multiple proposals across the country mean a convention "could happen imminently" and argued Maryland should prepare rules now rather than react later.

Committee members asked no recorded questions. The chair closed the hearing and moved to the next bill.

The bill as presented is conditioned on an Article V convention being called; it does not itself apply Maryland to any active application list, according to the witnesses' testimony.