Maryland Lawmakers Race to Meet Crossover Day Deadline

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

Mar. 24, 2026 at 1:09am

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Maryland state lawmakers engaged in a high-stakes competition on Crossover Day, a self-imposed legislative deadline to move bills from one chamber to the other before the 2026 legislative session ends. Lawmakers rushed to get key legislation, including the Utility RELIEF Act and an immigration bill, across the finish line.

Why it matters

Crossover Day is a critical juncture in the legislative process, as bills that don't make it across to the other chamber by the deadline face an uphill battle to become law. The outcome of these legislative battles will have significant impacts on Maryland residents, from energy costs to immigration policies.

The details

The Utility RELIEF Act, which passed the House, aims to reduce the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on customers' bills and save ratepayers at least $150 per year. Another bill passed in the Senate would prohibit companies from punishing workers for not attending meetings they believe are political or religious in nature. An immigration bill would prohibit school police officers from engaging in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, while the state budget proposal includes language to withhold money from law enforcement agencies that have written agreements with ICE.

  • Crossover Day is a self-imposed legislative deadline on March 24, 2026.
  • The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to end in 21 days.

The players

Bill Ferguson

Senate President, D-District 46.

Ben Kramer

Montgomery County Senator, D-District 19.

Nancy King

Senate Majority Leader, D-District 39.

Pam Beidle

Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman, D-District 32.

Al Redmer Jr.

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, D-District 46

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

— Ben Kramer, Montgomery County Senator, D-District 19

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

— Nancy King, Senate Majority Leader, D-District 39

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

— Pam Beidle, Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman, D-District 32

“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, R-District 8

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 is a critical juncture in the Maryland legislative process, as lawmakers race to move key bills from one chamber to the other before the session ends. The outcome of these legislative battles will have significant impacts on Maryland residents, from energy costs to immigration policies.