History
Legislative Process
Committees
Fun Fact
100

When was the MGA founded?

1600s

100

What is the first step you must take to testify in person at the Maryland General Assembly?

Signing up on the MGA website

100

How many standing committees are there in total between the House and Senate?

13 Standing Committees

100

Who was the first African American to serve in the MGA?

Harry A. Cole

200

How many districts does Maryland have?

47

200

When submitting written testimony, what is one way to ensure your statement stands out to lawmakers?

Making points concise, providing specific examples/evidence, clear topic

200

Does the MGA handle bills related to the budget?

Yes! The Senate manages the Budget and Taxation Committee.

200

Who is senate president?

Bill Ferguson

300

When does the MGA meet/begin the session?

The second Wednesday of January

300

When testifying in person, what is the standard time limit for most testimonies during a legislative hearing?

2-3 minutes

300

Which chamber (House or Senate) includes a Health and Government Operations Committee?

House

300

Who is the MGA House speaker?

Adrienne A. Jones

400

The MGA has the power to override a governor’s veto with what fraction of votes in both houses?

3/4

400

In Maryland, how many hours before a hearing must written testimony be uploaded for it to be considered?

48 hours

400

Who had the biggest impact in advocating young women's rights in Maryland?

Mary Eliza Watters Risteau

500

What act made the Maryland General Assembly one of the first legislative bodies in the world to enact a law protecting religious freedom?

Maryland Toleration Act

500

What is the maximum word count allowed for written testimony submitted to the Maryland General Assembly’s bill hearings?

500 words

500

Who created legislation to allow affordable housing in an effort to combat discrimination?

Jheanelle Wilkins