A debate over Maryland's congressional districts took an unusual turn Monday night when an Eastern Shore lawmaker proposed asking local voters if the Shore should secede from the state.

Maryland legislative leaders say lawmakers will only be allowed to submit bills related to congressional redistricting during the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, drawing sharp criticism from Republican leaders.

Maryland’s top Democratic leaders are rolling out a massive legislative package they say will help bring down energy costs for residents, while Republicans argue the proposal does not go far enough to address long-term affordability and energy supply concerns.