The General Assembly is Maryland's legislative body and directly represents the electorate. The state has 47 districts represented by 47 Senators and 141 Delegates.

The Legislature:

• Enacts laws necessary for the welfare of the State's citizens and certain laws dealing with counties and special taxing districts.
• Proposes amendments to the Maryland Constitution, which must be ratified by the voters during the general election.
• Reviews the Governor’s Reapportionment and Redistricting plans.
• Meets in regular session for 90 calendar days each year beginning the second Wednesday in January to act on more than 2500 pieces of legislation and the State's annual capital and operating budgets.
• Meets in special session when called by the Governor or when a majority of each house petitions the Governor.

Legislative Services:

• The Department of Legislative Services provides central nonpartisan staff services to support and assist the General Assembly as a whole, its committees and subcommittees, and individual legislators.

A Message from the President and the Speaker

The Legislative Process