Bill Signing Ceremonies 2025

Welcome to the updates for Bill Signing Ceremonies 2025

Note: All bill signings will have an interpreter present.

Part One – Bill Signing Lists and Sign-Ups
All bills passed by the General Assembly must be reviewed by the Governor’s Legislative Office and the Attorney General’s Office.

For the bill signings, it is our goal to share the signing list approximately 48 hours prior to each ceremony so you may hear from your sponsor (senator and/delegate with this info). Ceremonies are organized by theme, and depending on the number of bills, could last approximately two hours each. Please note that the dates below are subject to change and additional ceremonies may be added, as necessary but this is what we are working with for the year 2025.

2025 Bill Signing Dates – Governor’s Reception Room, State House
April 8th – 10AM – 12PM
April 22nd – 12:00 – 2:00 PM
May 6th – 12:00 – 2:00 PM
May 13th – 12:00 – 2:00 PM
May 20th – 12:00 – 2:00 PM (if needed)

NEW THIS YEAR This year, we plan to implement some exciting improvements to the bill signing process, including an online sign-up form for attendees, real-time text alerts for bill status updates, and digital bill status displays. By incorporating technology-driven solutions, we hope to create a more accessible, streamlined, and efficient bill signing process. The soft launch will be on 4/8 and we welcome any feedback you may have. To attend a bill signing ceremony, please visit this sign-up link; or see the attached flyer with QR code. Note: If you are unable to sign up ahead of time, flyers with QR code will be available onsite.

Part Two – The Importance of Light Blue Bill Number Signs
On the day of the bill signing ceremony, please start on the first floor of the State House. The bill announcer will begin calling bill numbers approximately 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. This allows the first several groups to be ready and in place right before the ceremony begins.

When your bill number is called, please line up with your group at the bottom of the staircase; there will be an escort holding a light blue bill number sign. After the escort brings you up to the second floor, he or she will give you the bill sign. This is important because once you enter the Governor’s Reception Room (GRR), the second floor announcer will read from the light blue bill sign to call your group up for a picture. Someone leading the line will prompt you following the light blue sign and you will notice the interpreter in the GRR. To keep the line moving as smoothly and efficiently as possible, missed bills or groups without a bill sign will be taken up at the end, time permitting.

Part Three – Inside the Governor’s Reception Room
When the bill signing ceremony begins, the doors to the GRR are closed so that the governor and presiding officers may make their opening remarks. Please know that sound travels easily in the State House and that even with microphones, sometimes it can be hard to hear.

Once opening remarks are complete, the doors to the GRR reopen and the first bill number is called (you will see this on the TV on the 1st floor and 2nd floor). Follow the stanchions around the room and when your bill number is called, please move into place behind the governor and presiding officers. Look for the photographer and make sure that he can see your face. All pictures are documented by date/bill number and will be posted on the governor’s website. After your picture is taken, please exit the GRR to make space for the next group in line.

Please understand that seating in the GRR is extremely limited to ensure that the press, official photographers, staff, and volunteers have enough room to work. If someone in your group requires seating due to a physical or health reason, please let me know as soon as possible so that a seat may be reserved; in addition, requests for accommodations may be made during the sign-up process.

Part Four – After the Bill Signing
Pictures will be posted on the governor’s Photo Gallery. Ceremonial pens may be ordered from the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS); please complete the attached form bottom of page and mail with payment to OSOS.

For any questions or concerns you may email us at gov.odhh@maryland.gov.

A group picture in the Governor’s Reception Room. Bill Signing for SB0358
Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library – Funding and Budget Submission.
Congratulations! Bill Signing held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.