Maryland Senate holds pro forma session, introduces FY2027 budget bill and refers measures to committee before adjourning

An abbreviated session of the Maryland Senate on a pro forma day saw the chamber introduce the president's fiscal 2027 budget bill and several related measures before adjourning until Thursday, January 22 at 10 a.m.

Clerk voice read calendar number 10 as "Senate Bill 282, the president budget bill, fiscal year 2027," which the presiding official said would be referred to the appropriate standing committee for consideration. The clerk also read calendar number 11 listing two joint resolutions concerning salary recommendations for the governor and for judicial compensation; both were placed on the calendar for referral to the Budget and Taxation committee.

"Budget's in," Unidentified Speaker 1 said during the short session, adding that committee work would take place later in the week and that members would be "into the weeds" on budget details. The transcript records the chamber's confirmation that three members were present for the pro forma session; the clerk later stated that with three members present the Senate remained in session.

The Senate also announced bond initiatives. The clerk identified a bond initiative sponsored by Senator Hetleman for Pikesville High School and the presiding official ordered the initiative to the Capital Budget Subcommittee for further review.

Following the routine readings and referrals, Unidentified Speaker 1 moved that the chamber "stand adjourned until Thursday, January 22 at 10AM." The motion was adopted "without objection," and the Senate adjourned to that date and time.

No recorded roll-call votes or amendments appear in the transcript of the pro forma session; the meeting consisted of procedural introductions and referrals rather than substantive debate. Committee hearings and floor consideration for the listed measures were scheduled to follow in committee work later in the week.