Chapter 8 – Bill Format and Preparation
Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-1 (2026)
Rule 8-1 Sponsor; titleLinkCopy Citation
The following information shall appear at the top of the 1st page of each bill, below the bill’s heading:
(1)
the name or names of the lead sponsor(s) introducing the bill;
(2)
The name or names of co-sponsors, if any;
(2)
if introduced “by request” of the Administration, the name of the requesting agency, department, or individual;
(3)
if introduced “by request” of any other person, the name, address, and contact information of that person; and
(4)
the bill’s title.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-2 (2026)
Rule 8-2 SymbologyLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Upper-and-lower case. Existing law to remain unchanged is printed in normal upper-and-lower case letters.
(b)
Small Caps. New matter to be added to existing law is printed in “SMALL CAPS”.
(c)
Brackets. [Matter to be stricken from existing law is enclosed in brackets.]
(d)
Underlining. New text added to the bill by amendment is underlined. If the new text would add to existing law, it is both underlined and printed in “SMALL CAPS”.
(e)
Strike out. Matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from existing law by amendment, whether in normal upper and lower case or in “SMALL CAPS”, is indicated by strike out.
(f)
Underlined italics. Matter added by amendment after the bill is printed for third reading is printed in underlined italics.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-3 (2026)
Rule 8-3 Line numberingLinkCopy Citation
In the first reading copy and every subsequent copy of a bill, the lines on each page of the bill are to be numbered in the left margin.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-4 (2026)
Rule 8-4 Effective dateLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In general. Except as otherwise provided in this rule, all bills shall be drafted to become effective on the 30th day after it is enacted.
(b)
Exception. This rule does not apply if the subject matter of a bill requires a different effective date and that date is specified in the bill.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-5 (2026)
Rule 8-5 Preparation and endorsementLinkCopy Citation
Before a bill may be accepted for introduction:
(1)
the bill shall be submitted to the Department of Legislative Reference for preparation in accordance with these Rules; and
(2)
the introductory copy of the bill shall be endorsed by the Department of Legislative Reference:
(i)
as having been approved by the Department for form, style, and codification; or
(ii)
if not so approved, as having been formatted by the Department.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-6 (2026)
Rule 8-6 Endorsement by cosponsorsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In general. A councilmember may add their name to legislation as a cosponsor prior to or during introduction of the legislation. The first reader copy of all bills shall list all cosponsors.
(b)
Solicitation of cosponsors prior to Council meeting. When the President distributes all bills and reports to Councilmembers in accordance with Rule 3-1 {“Business of the Day”}, the President shall invite Councilmembers who wish to co-sponsor a bill to sign the introductory copy provided.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 8-7 (2026)
Rule 8-7 Refusal of non-complying billLinkCopy Citation
The President may not accept for introduction any bill that fails to conform with the requirements of this chapter.