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MarylandSB 06342026 Regular SessionSenate

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.

Jail time for threats to officials

Beginning October 1, 2026, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly and willfully threaten to kill, kidnap, or injure certain public officials. Covered people include State and local officials (including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and officials‑elect), deputy or assistant State’s Attorneys, and assistant Public Defenders. A threat can be oral or written, signed or unsigned, and includes sending or delivering a threatening message. The penalty is up to 3 years in jail, a fine up to $2,500, or both.

State prosecutor can probe judge threats

Beginning October 1, 2026, the State Prosecutor investigates threats made against judges and judges‑elect. The office can start an investigation on its own, or when asked by the Governor, Attorney General, General Assembly, State Ethics Commission, or a State’s Attorney. When asked by the Governor, Attorney General, General Assembly, or a State’s Attorney, the office also investigates crimes that happen partly in Maryland and partly elsewhere, or in more than one county. The office cannot investigate crimes allegedly 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: 164 • 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: 44 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 480

    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 (44-1)

    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 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026Senate

  12. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/5/2026

    PDF

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