As the 2026 Legislative Session moves into February, legislators continue to confront the $1.4 billion deficit and search for ways to improve the economy and support businesses. The General Assembly is also moving forward on bills with a broad impact on the state, including several related to immigration and the impact of federal enforcement in the state, redistricting, and security in courts and added protections for attorneys. MSBA continues to review and engage on bills through direct outreach to sponsors and advocates, committee testimony, and public awareness. Here is a list of key bills to track that impact the legal profession.
Courts and Security
HB 492 - Courtroom Security - Minimum Adequate Security Standard: Establishes minimum adequate security standards for all courthouses in Maryland, requiring responsible security entities to make best efforts to have at least one security officer present in each courtroom for criminal, family, or juvenile matters, two officers for proceedings involving incarcerated individuals or those likely to be taken into custody, and one additional officer for every four or fewer courtrooms on each floor. Requirements would be expanded from July 2029 to include one officer for any type of proceeding, two officers for proceedings involving incarcerated or potentially detained individuals, and the same additional officer per floor ratio. Upcoming committee hearing.
HB 631 - Criminal Law - Threats Against State or Local Official – Penalties: Elevates penalties to felonies for making threats (including oral or written threats) against certain state and local officials, deputy and assistant State’s Attorneys, and assistant Public Defenders. Extends prison sentence and doubles the maximum fine. Upcoming committee hearing.
SB 121 - Personal Information - Public Servant Protections: Establishes protections for public servants(including various law enforcement officials, prosecutors, elected officials) and immediate family members, including requesting non-publication or removal of their personal information and creating a Public Servant Address Confidentiality Program to use a substitute address for official purposes and shield their home address. Violations for those who do not remove requested information include civil and criminal penalties. No committee hearing listed.
Immigration and Rule of Law
HB 444/SB 245 - Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition: An emergency bill prohibiting Maryland, local governments, and sheriffs from entering into any 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement that would allow them to enforce civil immigration laws. Would also terminate existing immigration enforcement agreements immediately in eight counties. These are moving quickly through the House and Senate with amendments.
SB 1 - Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Prohibition on Face Coverings: Prohibits law enforcement, while carrying out duties in Maryland, from wearing face coverings except under specific circumstances. This is moving through the Senate with amendments.
HB 309 - Judicial Facilities - Stops, Detentions, and Arrests – Limitations: Provides new protections for individuals within or near judicial facilities (includes courthouses, administrative hearing facilities, any associated grounds or parking areas within 1,000 feet). Prohibits law enforcement or government agents from stopping, detaining, or arresting someone for offenses punishable by a civil penalty, with limited exceptions, including for criminal offenses or those with a warrant. Provides penalties and authorizes action by the Attorney General. Upcoming committee hearing.
HB 495 - Criminal Procedure - Immigration Arrest - Immunity in Connection With Court Proceeding: Establishes immunity from immigration arrest for individuals attending court proceedings in Maryland while they are traveling to, present at, or returning from court, unless a valid judicial warrant authorizes the arrest. Provides penalties and authorizes action by the Attorney General. Upcoming committee hearing.
HB 332/SB 346 - Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act): Establishes a new legal pathway for individuals in Maryland to sue if they believe their constitutional rights have been violated by someone acting under the authority of law. Upcoming committee hearings.
Business Law
SB 278 - SDAT - Expedited Document Processing and Fees: MSBA’s Business Law Section worked on this bill that offers expedited document processing for certain filings with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) with a new fee, with a goal to improve business efficiency, bring more businesses to the state, and increase revenue. The Section testified in support of the bill and now awaits a committee vote.
Estate and Trust Law
HB 65 - Estates and Trusts - Fiduciaries - Attorney-Client Privilege: MSBA’s Estate and Trust Law Section worked on this bill that clarifies that communication between an attorney and client that acts as a fiduciary is subject to the attorney-client privilege even if fiduciary funds are used to compensate the attorney for services rendered to the client. The Section testified in support of the bill and now awaits a committee vote.
Criminal Law and Juvenile Reforms
HB 389/SB 296 - Juveniles - Detention and Confinement - Limitations on Juvenile Contact With Incarcerated Adults: Establishes conditions related to juvenile detention, confinement, and transport for youths arrested, convicted, or awaiting trial. Prohibits holding in any institution where they might see or hear incarcerated adults, with limited exceptions. The change is intended to protect juveniles from the negative influences and potential danger of interacting with adult offenders. Upcoming committee hearings.
HB 409/SB 323 - Juvenile Court - Jurisdiction (Youth Charging Reform Act): Alters the jurisdiction of the juvenile court by repealing provisions specifying that the juvenile court does not have jurisdiction over a child alleged to have committed any crime punishable by life imprisonment. The bill aligns with systemic reforms to address how youth are charged with crimes and broader jurisdiction of juvenile courts for offenses by minors. Upcoming committee hearings.
The MSBA conducts the most effective advocacy with your support. Please join us as a member and use your voice to reach out to us about the issues that matter to you and to the legal profession.