FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delegate Bouchat Announces Full 2026 Legislative Package: Seeking Cosponsors Ahead of Nov. 20 Prefile Deadline
Annapolis, MD- Delegate Bouchat announced today that all bill drafts for his 2026 legislative package have been completed and are attached for review. He is now seeking cosponsors in advance of the General Assembly’s November 20 prefile submission deadline.
“These bills reflect a commitment to transparency, fairness, and stronger representation for Marylanders,” said Delegate Bouchat. “I welcome colleagues from both sides of the aisle to review the drafts and join as cosponsors.”
Bills in the 2026 Legislative Package
- Tax Reform / Flat Tax (LR0876)
Establishes a simplified, flat-rate state income tax structure designed to improve fairness, clarity, and transparency for Maryland taxpayers. - Sunday Archery Hunting, Statewide (LR1016)
Expands Sunday archery hunting opportunities on private lands across the state. - Political Party Affiliation Changes – Constitutional Amendment (LR0741)
Proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing qualified Maryland voters to change their party affiliation and cast their ballot accordingly on election day, ensuring flexibility during the primary election period. - Senate Continuity Bill (LR1470)
Promotes continuity in the Maryland Senate during transitions or vacancies, ensuring consistent representation and stability. - Districting – Single-Member Districts & Redistricting and Apportionment Convention (LR0839)
Requires each legislative district electing members to the House of Delegates to be composed of designated single-member districts. Establishes requirements for a Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Convention, including its structure, scope, and operation. - Commission to Study African American Civil War Sailors in Maryland (LR0746)
Creates a commission to research, document, and recognize the contributions of African American Civil War sailors from Maryland. - Elimination of Vehicle Emissions Test (LR1263)
Repeals the requirement for periodic vehicle emissions testing in Maryland. - Sheriff Salary Legislation (LR0738)
Updates sheriff compensation to ensure uniformity and fairness across Maryland jurisdictions. - Form of County Government – Requirement to Adopt Charter Home Rule (LR0745)
Requires counties to adopt a charter form of government to strengthen local accountability, autonomy, and responsiveness. - Mason’s Law (LR1275)
Implements new safety requirements for stormwater drainage systems following the tragic flooding incident that claimed the life of Mason Kearns in Mt. Airy. The bill aims to prevent future loss of life due to unsafe or outdated drainage structures. - Sexual Offender Accountability and Victim Protection Act (LR1473)
Maintains original sentencing for repeat sexual offenders and reduces re-traumatization of victims by limiting unnecessary resentencing proceedings.
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