Maryland HB44 revises election law to mandate plain language summaries on ballot questions and petition signature pages.

Maryland HB44 amends election law to require that summaries of ballot questions and petition signature pages be written in plain language. The bill mandates that these summaries be easily understandable, avoid legal jargon, and not use double negatives or the passive voice. It also alters deadlines for preparing and certifying ballot questions, requires the State Board of Elections to make certain information available for public comment, and mandates that the State Board and local boards post information about ballot questions for a specified period before the general election.

Maryland HB44 revises election law to mandate plain language summaries on ballot questions and petition signature pages.

Maryland HB44 amends election law to require that summaries of ballot questions and petition signature pages be written in plain language. The bill mandates that these summaries be easily understandable, avoid legal jargon, and not use double negatives or the passive voice. It also alters deadlines for preparing and certifying ballot questions, requires the State Board of Elections to make certain information available for public comment, and mandates that the State Board and local boards post information about ballot questions for a specified period before the general election.