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Redistricting authority:
U.S. Congressional Districts – Legislative. Both the Maryland Constitution and statutes are silent on the matter of congressional redistricting. Congress has given the state Legislatures authority to redistrict congressional seats. The only federal statutory requirement is that congressional districts be single-member districts. The Maryland congressional plan is introduced as a regular bill in the General Assembly and must be passed by both Houses and signed by the Governor who has veto power over the plan.
State Legislative Districts – Governor (w/Advisory Committee help)/Legislative. After the
decennial census, public hearings should be held regarding districting. The Governor then
prepares a plan to set the boundaries of legislative districts. The Governor uses a Redistricting
Advisory Committee to help him formulate the plan he offers to the Legislature. The
composition of the Committee is at the Governor’s discretion. The Governor presents the plan to
the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House who introduce the plan as a joint resolution
to the General Assembly, not later than the first day of its regular session in the second year
following every census, and the Governor may call a special session for the presentation of his
plan prior to the regular session. If the General Assembly has not adopted another redistricting
plan by the 45th day of the session, the Governor’s plan as presented becomes law.
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Maryland 
