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MarylandHB 10302026 Regular SessionHouse

Office of the State Prosecutor - Investigation of Threats - Judges

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - ProceduresInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestJudgesState ProsecutorThreats

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Criminal penalties for threatening officials

Beginning October 1, 2026, it is a crime to knowingly and willfully threaten to kill, kidnap, or injure certain public officials. It covers State or local officials, deputy State’s Attorneys, assistant State’s Attorneys, and assistant Public Defenders. A threat can be oral or written, signed or not, and the law also bans sending, delivering, or preparing a threat for delivery. Penalty: misdemeanor, up to 3 years in jail, up to a $2,500 fine, or both.

State Prosecutor can investigate threats to judges

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Office of the State Prosecutor can investigate threats against judges and judges‑elect under the threats law. The Office may start a case on its own or after a request from the Governor, Attorney General, General Assembly, State Ethics Commission, or a State’s Attorney. The Office still cannot investigate crimes alleged to be committed by the State Prosecutor or the Office’s staff.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 159 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 479

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (32-1)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/5/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (127-0)

    3/4/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/3/2026House

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/3/2026House

  11. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/2/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026House

  13. First Reading Judiciary

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/9/2026

    PDF

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