Maryland Senate

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Maryland Senate

The Maryland Senate is the upper chamber of the Maryland General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. The Senate is composed of 47 members, each representing a single-member legislative district. Senators serve four-year terms with no term limits.

History

The Maryland Senate was established in 1776, following the adoption of the Maryland Constitution. The Senate has undergone several changes in its structure and function over the years, including the reorganization of legislative districts and changes in the election process.

Structure and Function

The Maryland Senate operates under a bicameral system, working alongside the Maryland House of Delegates. The Senate is responsible for passing state laws, approving the state budget, and confirming appointments made by the Governor of Maryland. The Senate also has the power to impeach state officials.

Leadership

The Senate is led by the President of the Maryland Senate, who is elected by the members of the Senate. The President presides over Senate sessions, appoints committee chairs, and plays a significant role in the legislative process. The current President of the Maryland Senate is Bill Ferguson.

Committees

The Maryland Senate has several standing committees that handle various legislative matters. These committees include:

• Budget and Taxation Committee
• Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee
• Finance Committee
• Judicial Proceedings Committee

Elections

Senators are elected every four years during the general elections. Each senator represents a specific legislative district, and the boundaries of these districts are determined by the Maryland Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission.

Notable Legislation

The Maryland Senate has been involved in passing significant legislation on various issues, including education reform, healthcare, and environmental protection. Some notable pieces of legislation include the Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Act and the Maryland Health Care for All Act.

See Also

• Maryland General Assembly
• Maryland House of Delegates
• Governor of Maryland
• Maryland Constitution
• Bill Ferguson