Election Law - Initiative Process

HB 1403 proposes adding a new Article XVI-A to the Maryland Constitution to establish a formal initiative process. It allows registered voters to bypass the legislature by gathering signatures (10% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election) to propose changes to state laws or the constitution, with limits on signatures from single counties or Baltimore City. The bill requires petitions to be reviewed by the Attorney General for summary accuracy and the Secretary of State for signature verification before being certified for a statewide vote. If approved by voters (50% for laws, 66.7% for constitutional changes), the proposal becomes law or constitutional amendment 30 days after the governor's proclamation.