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MarylandSB 03462026 Regular SessionSenate

Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)

Sponsored By: Jeff Waldstreicher (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Civil Actions and ProceduresAttorneys' FeesAttorney GeneralCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCivil Rights and Social EquityConstitution, U.S.Court CostsDamagesDefendantsJudgesLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsSovereign ImmunityStatutes of LimitationWitnesses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Sue certain officers for rights violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, you or the Maryland Attorney General can sue certain officers who, under color of law, violate your federal rights. You can ask the court for money, and for orders to stop the conduct or declare it unlawful. Courts may order the defendant to pay a winning plaintiff’s attorney and expert fees. You must file within five years after the claim accrues. Claims are based on the U.S. Constitution and federal laws, not the Maryland Constitution.

Who you can sue and limits

Beginning October 1, 2026, this law sets who you can sue and key limits. A covered officer is an officer who can arrest for U.S. Code crimes and carries a firearm on duty. Officers acting under a joint task force that mainly enforces federal law are excluded. Defendants may use any immunity that existed when the claim arose. The law does not take away other state or local liability or existing statutory waivers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jeff Waldstreicher

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Brian J. Feldman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Clarence K. Lam

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 222 • No: 208

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 11 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 38 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/9/2026

Floor Amendment {903027/1 (Delegate Szeliga) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 95 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 30 • No: 11 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Floor Amendment {423926/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected

Yes: 15 • No: 25 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Floor Amendment {253829/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected

Yes: 13 • No: 28 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 460

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (31-11)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (96-38)

    4/9/2026House

  6. Floor Amendment {903027/1 (Delegate Szeliga) Rejected (37-95)

    4/9/2026House

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments {823723/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/8/2026House

  10. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  11. Referred Judiciary

    3/21/2026House

  12. Third Reading Passed (30-11)

    3/20/2026Senate

  13. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Floor Amendment {953329/1 (Senator Waldstreicher) Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  15. Floor Amendment {253829/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected (13-28)

    3/19/2026Senate

  16. Floor Amendment {423926/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected (15-25)

    3/19/2026Senate

  17. Favorable with Amendments {293920/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  18. Motion Laid Over (Senator Ready) Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  19. Favorable with Amendments {293920/1

    3/18/2026Senate

  20. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/18/2026Senate

  21. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026Senate

  22. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

    PDF

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