Yes on 3!

Yes on 3: Allow Congressional Redistricting in Maryland

Earlier this month, the Maryland General Assembly held a special session to consider a constitutional amendment on how congressional redistricting should be handled. 

The purpose of this constitutional amendment is to ensure that Maryland has the same ability as other states to pass a congressional redistricting plan under applicable federal laws.

What It Does (and Doesn’t) Do

The proposed constitutional amendment does not contain a congressional map. It does not draw a single district line or make any changes ahead of the 2026 general election. It makes three straightforward changes to allow Maryland to meet the moment as states across the country engage in mid-decade redistricting.

1. It clarifies that the term “legislative district” in Article III of the Maryland Constitution refers to districts for the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. This resolves ambiguity and gives courts clear guidance.

2. It clarifies that the Maryland Constitution and Declaration of Rights do not apply to congressional redistricting. In the event of a future lawsuit, courts would judge the constitutionality of the map based on applicable federal law, making it consistent with other states.

3. It gives the General Assembly the option to send a congressional redistricting case directly to the Supreme Court of Maryland when time is critical. This does not change the process for every case. It simply places another tool in the toolbox so disputes can be resolved quickly and efficiently when necessary.

Ultimately, Marylanders will have the final say in November when they vote on whether to accept or reject these changes. I urge you to vote “Yes on 3.”

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Making Sure Our Building Codes Improve Energy Efficiency

A state agency proposed removing requirements for newly constructed large commercial buildings to generate small amounts of on-site renewable energy (think rooftop solar panels). That change would have made Maryland’s standards less stringent than the national code requires—plus given builders extra energy efficiency credits for meeting minimum standards.

It just doesn't add up! So, along with a coalition of environmental advocates, I asked for and was granted a hold on these regulations to make sure Maryland’s standards meet—if not exceed—national and international codes for energy efficiency. You can read more about this issue here. 

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Medicaid Requirements Are Changing

Some of the cruel actions of the MAGA Republicans in H.R. 1 will begin to take effect in January, 2027. Potentially affecting more than 320,000 Medicaid recipients in Maryland, these include new work requirements and re-enrollment in the program every six months instead of once a year. In Maryland, we are doing everything we can to protect people’s healthcare. You can find more details here and reach out to my office if you need assistance.

Need Help with a State Issue?

If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at Lorig.Charkoudian@house.maryland.gov or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.

Onward, 

Lorig Charkoudian