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MarylandSB 08102026 Regular SessionSenate

Immigration Enforcement - Expanding Sensitive Locations, Notification, and Guidance (Maryland Values Act of 2026)

Sponsored By: Nancy J. King

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationPublic SafetyAdministrative AgenciesAttorney GeneralCounselors and TherapistsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Courts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Education, Boards ofEmergency BillsFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.Immigrants and Citizenship -see also- ResidencyInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestKinship -see also- Parents and GuardiansLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceLibraries -see also- ArchivesMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.NoticesPrivacyPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HsePublic Employees -see also- State EmployeesPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySchool AdministrationSchool BusesSchool Resource OfficersSubpoenasTeachersTimeWarrants

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More places treated as sensitive locations

The law adds public schools, designated school bus stops, school vehicles, and some State‑funded food distribution sites as sensitive locations. Public schools, libraries, and State executive offices must deny entry to nonpublic or screened areas for immigration enforcement unless there is a valid federal court warrant or an emergency. This rule does not apply to State or local jails or detention facilities. These changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Schools restrict immigration enforcement and data sharing

Public school security staff cannot conduct immigration checks or enforcement at school. They generally cannot share student or employee records for immigration purposes. If given a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or legal order for student or staff records, they must immediately contact the county superintendent and school system legal counsel. If school staff learn about immigration enforcement at a school, they must notify the county superintendent or designee. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

State guidance and local policies on enforcement

The Attorney General publishes guidance on public vs. nonpublic areas at sensitive locations, how to verify immigration agents and documents, and how to reduce disruption and legal risk. Public schools, public libraries, and Executive Branch units at sensitive locations must have policies that match this guidance. Initial policies were due by October 1, 2025. When guidance is updated, they must update their policies by October 1 of that year, beginning in 2026. Each courthouse must adopt a policy by October 1, 2026, and update it each year by October 1. These requirements take effect July 1, 2026.

New arrest powers and notice for officers

The law creates a new class of “judicial covered officers.” They can arrest for violations of U.S. law, carry firearms, and execute State arrest or search warrants. They may act during joint investigations, when helping police, at a police request, or in an emergency. They must tell the local police chief or sheriff and the State Police barrack commander about investigations or enforcement at sensitive locations, with advance notice for joint work. When acting under this law, they have the same legal status and immunity as police officers. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nancy J. King

    Senate

Cosponsors

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kevin M. Harris

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 63

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 14

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 37 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 12

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 161

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (33-14)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (100-37)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {273125/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/10/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m. (Judiciary)

    3/26/2026House

  10. Referred Judiciary Ways and Means

    3/24/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (31-12)

    3/23/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {283621/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026Senate

  14. Motion Laid Over (Senator Ready) Adopted

    3/20/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {283621/1

    3/20/2026Senate

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

    3/20/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)

    2/10/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment and Judicial Proceedings

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

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