Bouchat would introduce citizen convention amendment if special session is called
By Michael Phillips | MDBayNews
Frederick County Delegate Christopher Bouchat announced today that he intends to introduce a constitutional amendment during any special session convened this summer that would strip elected officials of redistricting authority altogether — transferring map-drawing responsibility to a citizen convention representing all 24 of Maryland’s political subdivisions.
The proposal mirrors House Bill 56, which Bouchat introduced during the 2026 regular session. Under the amendment, a convention of Maryland citizens apportioned by population would draw both legislative and congressional district maps. Because the measure amends the state constitution, it would go before voters for final approval.
The announcement positions Bouchat’s proposal as a direct structural alternative to what Democrats are pursuing. Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones — and, separately, Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk — are weighing a special session aimed at amending the constitution to remove language that blocked a previous Democratic gerrymander. Bouchat’s counter-amendment, if introduced, would force legislators to go on record choosing between citizen-controlled redistricting and party-controlled redistricting.
“The question is not which party should control redistricting,” Bouchat said in a statement. “The question is whether the people of Maryland should have a direct role in determining how they are represented.”
No special session has been formally announced. Bouchat said additional details will be released if and when one is convened.
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This proposed amendment reminds politicians who they’re supposed to work for: the citizens of Maryland, not corporations, special interests, PACs and NGOs.