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MarylandSB 01282026 Regular SessionSenate

Maryland Military Department - Supervision of State Active Duty Personnel

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesFederal GovernmentGovernorManagers and SupervisorsMilitary DepartmentSafety -see also- Occupational Safety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Emergency law effective April 14, 2026

This act is an emergency measure. It takes effect the day it was signed, April 14, 2026. That makes the law’s public-safety changes effective right away.

Governor can call state militia in crises

The Governor can order the State militia into State active duty in or on reasonable fear of an imminent crisis, like a disaster, riot, insurrection, invasion, or breach of the peace. The Governor can also activate the militia when martial law is declared, to enforce the laws, or to carry out any militia function. This authority is in effect starting April 14, 2026.

Guard command and police powers in emergencies

The law covers all units of the Maryland Military Department, including the National Guard and Maryland Defense Force. When members are on State active duty, they have the full authority of peace officers across Maryland for as long as they are on duty. During State active duty, they operate under the Adjutant General or a National Guard officer the Adjutant General names, even if that commander is in a federal status where the Governor remains commander in chief. The ranking militia officer must work with local police. If an urgent situation requires it, and only by the Governor’s order, that officer can direct local police and the State Police and assume their powers. These rules take effect April 14, 2026.

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: 176 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 97

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/3/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/13/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/12/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {513627/1 Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/9/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/29 at 2:30 p.m.

    1/26/2026Senate

  13. Hearing canceled

    1/26/2026Senate

  14. Hearing 1/29 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/19/2026Senate

  15. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  16. Pre-filed

    9/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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