How does a bill become law at the state level in Maryland?

How does a bill become law at the state level in Maryland?

• A. Introduced, debated in one house, approved by simple majority, and transmitted to the Governor.
• B. Introduced, assigned to committees, debated and voted in both houses, and if approved, sent to the Governor for signature; vetoes can be overridden by two-thirds in each house.
• C. Introduced, assigned to committees, debated in both houses but not required to pass the other, then signed by the Governor.
• D. Introduced, assigned to committees, debated and voted in both houses, and if approved, sent to the Governor for signature; vetoes can be overridden by three-fifths in each house.

Answer: (D)

In Maryland, a bill moves through committees, is debated and voted on in both the Senate and the House of Delegates, and, if it clears both chambers, goes to the Governor for signature. If the Governor vetoes the bill, overriding that veto requires a three-fifths vote in each house, a true supermajority that ensures broad support across both chambers. This combination—bicameral passage, executive action, and a three-fifths veto override—sets the Maryland process apart from simple majority passage or overrides that require only two-thirds or that bypass the other chamber.

In Maryland, a bill moves through committees, is debated and voted on in both the Senate and the House of Delegates, and, if it clears both chambers, goes to the Governor for signature. If the Governor vetoes the bill, overriding that veto requires a three-fifths vote in each house, a true supermajority that ensures broad support across both chambers. This combination—bicameral passage, executive action, and a three-fifths veto override—sets the Maryland process apart from simple majority passage or overrides that require only two-thirds or that bypass the other chamber.