Maryland Lawmakers Race Against Deadline on Crossover Day

Legislators rush to move bills from one chamber to the other before 2026 session ends in 21 days

Mar. 24, 2026 at 12:48am

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Maryland state lawmakers engaged in a high-stakes competition on Crossover Day, the self-imposed legislative deadline to move bills from one chamber to the other before the 2026 legislative session ends in 21 days. Lawmakers debated a range of legislation, including the Utility RELIEF Act to reduce energy costs, a bill to prohibit companies from punishing workers for not attending political or religious meetings, and an immigration bill that would restrict school police from engaging with ICE.

Why it matters

Crossover Day is a critical deadline in the Maryland legislative process, as bills must pass one chamber by this date to have a chance of becoming law before the session ends. The debates and negotiations on this day often set the tone for the remainder of the session and determine which priorities will advance.

The details

The Utility RELIEF Act, which passed the House, aims to save ratepayers a minimum of $150 a year by reducing the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on customers' bills. A Senate bill to prohibit companies from punishing workers for not attending meetings they believe are political or religious in nature has drawn Republican concerns that it could deter businesses from locating in Maryland. An emotional debate also occurred over an immigration bill that would prohibit school police officers from engaging in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.

  • Crossover Day is the self-imposed legislative deadline to move bills from one chamber to the other before the 2026 Maryland legislative session ends in 21 days.
  • The nearly $71 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal was sent from the Senate to the House, with language to withhold money from law enforcement until the agency certifies it does not have a written agreement with ICE.

The players

Bill Ferguson

The Senate President, D-District 46.

Ben Kramer

A Montgomery County Senator, D-District 19.

Nancy King

The Senate Majority Leader, D-District 39.

Pam Beidle

The Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman, D-District 32.

Al Redmer Jr.

A former Maryland Insurance Commissioner and former Baltimore County Delegate, R-District 8.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be a busy, back-and-forth day.”

— Bill Ferguson, Senate President

“I think what we've been hearing stretches the imagination a little bit.”

— Ben Kramer, Senator

“My community lives in fear of ICE, especially for children; they have done nothing wrong.”

— Nancy King, Senate Majority Leader

“It's been complicated trying to address everyone's concerns.”

— Pam Beidle, Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman

“No matter what day it is in Annapolis, under the right circumstances, magic can happen.”

— Al Redmer Jr., Former Maryland Insurance Commissioner and Former Baltimore County Delegate

What’s next

The nearly $71 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal will be taken up by the House on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Crossover Day in the Maryland legislature is a high-stakes, fast-paced event as lawmakers race to move their priority bills from one chamber to the other before the legislative session ends. The debates and negotiations on this day often set the tone for the remainder of the session and determine which issues will advance.