LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 18 voted 3-2 to adopt legislation that limits elected commissioners to two four-year terms, following more than 120 days of public record and debate on the matter.
The bill, formally introduced as Bill 2025-07, establishes that commissioners may serve two terms, either consecutively or nonconsecutively. The legislation defines a term as four years and sets the start date for all current commissioners as Dec. 6, 2022 — meaning current board members are eligible to run one more time under the new rules.
The new term limits law defines a maximum of two four-year terms for all elected commissioners, applying to both district representatives and the commissioner president. These terms may be served consecutively or nonconsecutively.
The bill also outlines how partial terms will be treated — for example, if a commissioner is appointed to fill a vacancy or is removed due to a conviction, that service would still count as a full term.
The draft legislation was formally introduced on July 22, 2025, during a Board of Commissioners meeting, where it received initial consensus and was scheduled for public hearing.
Public Feedback: Mixed Reactions And Suggestions
Public testimony at the Nov. 18 hearing revealed a wide range of opinions. Supporters of the bill argued that term limits encourage fresh ideas, prevent entrenched political power, and open leadership opportunities for new voices. Some referenced gridlock and stagnation in higher government offices, suggesting that local term limits can help prevent similar issues.
Opponents expressed concern that forced turnover could deprive the county of experienced leadership and disrupt long-term initiatives. Several residents said elections already offer a natural accountability process and argued that voters — not legislation — should decide who remains in office.
Multiple community members recommended edits to improve the bill’s clarity and ensure its constitutionality. Some suggested changes to language on vacancies and convictions, while others questioned the constitutionality of the 2022 start date. The County Attorney’s Office clarified that applying the law retroactively before that date would be unconstitutional.
Commissioner Ralph Patterson made the motion to close the public record, which had been open for over 120 days. That motion passed unanimously. Commissioners then held a final vote on the bill, which passed 3-2. Commissioners Amanda Stewart and Gilbert Bowling voted against it, while Commissioners Reuben B. Collins II, Thomasina Coates and Patterson voted in favor.
Full text of the bill: Read Bill 2025-07
The public hearing on Bill 2025-07 is available to view on CCGTV, watch on Demand Here.
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Fire all of their butts not one in the group is worth a plum penny
Bad call to limit commissioners to two terms. Charles County now has District-only voting. If a majority of citizens like their commissioner, they should be able to vote for that person with no limits.