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House passes bill to require special elections for legislative vacancies after heated debate
Summary
The House approved Senate Bill 5 on third reading, 93–33, after extended floor debate about whether recent amendments had 'hijacked' the bill and about partisan effects; supporters said the change restores voters' power to fill vacancies through special elections.
The Maryland House of Delegates voted 93–33 to pass Senate Bill 5 on third reading, adopting a measure that requires special elections to fill legislative vacancies and that includes committee amendments changing who determines certain constitutional questions.
Supporters said the bill returns the decision about representation to voters. "Under this bill, the voters will decide," said the Deputy Majority Leader, arguing the measure clarifies constitutional language after what supporters described as a court misinterpretation. The Deputy Majority Leader framed the change as preventing…
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