Maryland Lawmakers Propose Bill Banning Jan. 6 Convicts from State Roles

Legislation would prohibit those convicted in connection with Capitol attack from serving on state boards and commissions.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Lawmakers in Annapolis, Maryland are considering a bill that would ban anyone convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol from serving on any state-created board, committee, commission, task force or workgroup. The bill, which has bipartisan support in the state Senate, also applies to those who received a pardon from former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation reflects ongoing efforts to hold those accountable who participated in the violent attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. By barring convicted Jan. 6 rioters from state government roles, the bill aims to prevent them from wielding influence in Maryland's political institutions.

The details

The bill, which has been referred to a state Senate committee, would prohibit anyone convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack from serving on any state-created board, committee, commission, task force or workgroup. This includes individuals who received a pardon from former President Trump. The legislation is sponsored by Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and Sen. Jim Rosapepe, both Democrats.

  • The bill is being considered during the current 2026 legislative session in Annapolis, Maryland.

The players

Bill Ferguson

The Democratic President of the Maryland State Senate, who is a sponsor of the proposed legislation.

Jim Rosapepe

A Democratic Maryland state senator and co-sponsor of the bill banning Jan. 6 convicts from state government roles.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to wield influence in our political institutions after being convicted for their role in the attack on our democracy.”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland State Senate President (Maryland State Senate)

What’s next

The bill has been referred to a state Senate committee, where it will undergo further review and debate before potentially advancing to a full floor vote.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Maryland represents an effort by state lawmakers to prevent those convicted for their involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack from serving in positions of authority within the state government, underscoring the ongoing fallout and accountability measures stemming from that dark day in American democracy.