A seemingly routine end-of-session in the House of Delegates last week turned into something that could become a bigger issue later.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the Maryland House of Delegates was set to adjourn pro forma — meaning only the presiding officer, and the majority and minority leaders typically attend to read in bills — but several Republican lawmakers objected and forced a debate.

Del. Kathy Szeliga, a Baltimore County Republican, objected to the scheduled pro forma session and argued against what she described as a three-day workweek.

“I think the pro forma session has a place in the body, but I do not think that we should be in pro forma session for the next three weeks and working a three-day work week,” she said.

The House of Delegates adopted the rules guiding how the 90-day session would unfold by a unanimous vote at the start of session. It included the pro forma sessions, Baltimore City Delegate and parliamentarian Stephanie Smith said.

“Those pro forma sessions can be challenged, only with the support of the majority,” Del. Smith said. “I wish you luck.”

After some remarks from House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the issue was opened for a floor vote, which failed, largely along party lines. But after the vote was called, several Republican members explained their vote, many noting the work lawmakers were sent to Annapolis to do on behalf of Marylanders.

“If you want to bring us here four days a week, five days a week. I’ll be more than glad to come in here if we can work on this budget,” said Del. Bob Long, a Baltimore County Republican.

Del. Robin Grammer, another Baltimore County Republican, objected to the pro forma sessions on the grounds of inaccessibility. He said without full sessions, members of the public don’t have easy access to their elected leaders, noting Annapolis can be inaccessible for many.

“Annapolis isn’t the most accessible place,” Del. Grammer said. “So I think, we should resume normal operations to be present for as much as possible for as long as possible so that average people can participate.”

Del. Smith was quick to push back, arguing members of the public and lawmakers’ constituents have several ways of communicating with their elected leaders.

“I would submit that most of us see that there is work to do. Most of us will be joining briefings in just over 30 minutes. If you want to connect with your constituents, they can hit your DMs, they can email you, they can talk to you by phone, Zoom, teams, there’s a lot of ways people can reach you if you want to be reached,” Del. Smith said. “Just because someone says the work only happens in here, that is more of a reflection on their perception of the work than the reality of yours.”

Del. Ryan Nawrocki, a Baltimore County Republican, said he understands the benefits of pro forma sessions, noting he often utilizes the flexibility. But the benefits don’t outweigh his support for returning to more of a normal session, he said.

“I think the right message, particularly in this tough time right now that we have, we are going to have to make some serious cuts and potentially some serious tax increases here,” said Del. Nawrocki. “I think the right optics and the right message to our constituents is to be here every day that we can during the 90-day session.”

Dels. Nawrocki and Szeliga are members of the newly launched Maryland Freedom Caucus, which is led by Republican Del. Matt Morgan of St. Mary’s County. In a statement to FOX45 News, the Maryland Freedom Caucus backed its members on the issue and doubled down on scheduling full session days.

“Maryland’s deficit is increasing, and Annapolis Democrats are responding with tax hikes and a 3-day work week,” the statement wrote. “Marylanders deserve more than a part-time presence in Annapolis. The citizens deserve full access to their elected leaders.”

The pro forma sessions are often utilized early in sessions as bills get introduced and sent to committees for further discussion.

Questions to Speaker Jones regarding the debate and constitutionality concerns raised by some members of the House of Delegates went unanswered.

Have a news tip? Contact reporter Mikenzie Frost at mbfrost@sbgtv.com.