After a bill passes both chambers in Maryland but before the Governor signs, what happens next?

After a bill passes both chambers in Maryland but before the Governor signs, what happens next?

• A. It Becomes Law Automatically
• B. It Is Sent to Voters for Referendum
• C. It Is Reviewed by the Supreme Court
• D. It Is Enrolled

Answer: (D)

The key step here is enrollment—the official, final copy of the bill that has been passed by both chambers and is prepared for the Governor’s action. Enrollment ensures both houses have identical text and creates the formal version to forward to the Governor for signature. It isn’t yet law, because the Governor still must act, and it isn’t sent to voters for a referendum in this standard process, nor is it reviewed by the Supreme Court. Once the bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor, the next action determines its fate: the Governor’s signature makes it law, or a veto can follow.

The key step here is enrollment—the official, final copy of the bill that has been passed by both chambers and is prepared for the Governor’s action. Enrollment ensures both houses have identical text and creates the formal version to forward to the Governor for signature. It isn’t yet law, because the Governor still must act, and it isn’t sent to voters for a referendum in this standard process, nor is it reviewed by the Supreme Court. Once the bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor, the next action determines its fate: the Governor’s signature makes it law, or a veto can follow.