Overview
- The Senate voted 31–14 and the House 93–35 to clear the three-fifths threshold during a brief special session called to elect a new House speaker, choosing Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk.
- The Maryland Reparations Commission will study options for descendants of enslaved people, including apologies, direct payments, property tax rebates, down-payment aid, business incentives, childcare support, debt forgiveness, and tuition waivers.
- The law sets a preliminary report deadline of January 1, 2027, with a final report due November 1, 2027, and the commission scheduled to sunset in summer 2028.
- Gov. Wes Moore vetoed the bill in May, arguing more study was unnecessary, but he now says he is open to partnership as his administration points to cannabis pardons and targeted economic programs already underway.
- Democrats, led by the Legislative Black Caucus, framed the study as necessary groundwork, while Republicans questioned costs and eligibility, with context that about 30% of Maryland’s population is Black.