William Stone had decreed on March 2, 1654, that although he is faithful to the Commonwealth, all writs should "run in the Proprietary's name as heretofore".

After Stone resigned as Governor under duress on July 20, the Commissioners had become de facto governors of the colony, and the first general assembly under their authority is held on October 20, 1654.

Roman Catholics and any other individuals who had borne arms against the Parliament cannot be members (effectively limiting the membership to Puritans), and among the fofrty-four Acts passed by this group is a repeal of the Toleration Act, only seven years after its passage.

In addition to repealing the Maryland Toleration Act with the assistance of Protestant assemblymen, Claiborne and Bennett pass a new law barring Catholics from openly practicing their religion.