PRIA Logo™
MarylandSB 05442026 Regular SessionSenate

Courtroom Security - Minimum Adequate Security Standard

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Courts and Court Personnel - StatewideCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Law Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best Practices

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Phased staffing goals for Maryland courtrooms

Beginning July 1, 2027, security providers use best efforts to meet staffing goals. Have one officer in each courtroom for criminal, family, and juvenile cases. Have two officers in any case with an incarcerated person or someone who may be remanded. Add one extra officer for every four or fewer courtrooms on each floor. Beginning July 1, 2029, the one‑officer rule applies to all case types. These are best‑efforts targets, not hard mandates.

Statewide courtroom security standards and officer qualifications

The law sets a minimum security standard for all Maryland courthouses. It applies to sheriffs, court security units, and security contractors. Court security officers must meet the state's Special Police Officer qualifications. The law takes effect October 1, 2026. It aims to protect judges, staff, parties, jurors, and visitors.

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: 163 • No: 1

House vote • 4/3/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 476

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (120-0)

    4/3/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/9/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (43-1)

    3/6/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed

    3/3/2026Senate

  9. Favorable Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/2/2026Senate

  11. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026Senate

  12. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation