Newly-elected House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk has moved quickly to assert her leadership by reshaping House committee structures and appointing new chairs and vice chairs across key panels. The most significant change is the creation of a new Labor, Elections and Government Committee, along with leadership shifts in Judiciary, Economic Matters and Ways and Means. Peña-Melnyk framed the changes as a response to economic, workforce and affordability challenges facing Maryland, emphasizing collaboration and effective governance. She also pledged bipartisan engagement and greater inclusion of rural regions through regular meetings with House Republicans and the formation of a new Rural Caucus.
