Maryland. Constitutional Convention, 1967-1968

In 1849, the General Assembly provided Maryland voters with the means of "calling a Convention to frame a new Constitution and Form of Government" (Laws of 1849, ch. 346). In May 1850, voters approved the convention and elected its delegates. The convention met from November 1850 through May 1851.

The 1849 legislative action was encouraged by increasing complaints of disproportionate representation. Eastern Shore residents enjoyed proportional representation greater than that afforded residents of the Western Shore or Baltimore City. Delegates of the latter jurisdictions planned to use the convention to reapportion state representation. For their part, Eastern Shore delegates desired to use the convention to tighten controls on state spending.

Upon the conclusion of its business in 1851, the convention disbanded.

From the description of Agency history record, 1850-1851. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122405843

Acting on recommendations of the Constitutional Convention Commission, the General Assembly enacted legislation to allow the calling of a constitutional convention. A referendum was called on September 13, 1966 to determine whether Marylanders wanted a convention (Laws of 1966, ch. 500). The electorate voted overwhelmingly in favor of a convention. The General Assembly then passed another law to provide for apportionment and election of delegates (Laws of 1967, ch. 4). Delegates to the convention were apportioned as for the House of Delegates, elected June 13, 1967, and convened Sepetmber 12, 1967.

The standing rules of the convention called for the election of officers and eight substantive and three procedural committees. Committee members and their chairpersons were appointed by the president of the convention. Each delgate had a substantive committee assignment.

Under the providsions of the 1967 law, the session was to continue as long as necessary, but not later than December 12. A majority could, however, and did vote to extend the session up to a month past the legislated end-date. The conveention held its last meeting on January 10, 1968, when it signed the proposed constitution and adjourned sine die. The constitution was not ratified by Marylanders in a referendum held May 14, 1968.

From the description of Agency history record, 1967-1968. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86095748