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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 (Democratic)

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

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

More immigration protections at service locations

Maryland expands sensitive locations to include libraries, courthouses, government health facilities, Comptroller facilities, designated school bus stops, and school vehicles. Qualifying State-funded food distribution sites are covered when the Attorney General finds they need special consideration. The definition also covers locations providing health, education, shelter, or access-to-justice services. Covered public schools, libraries, and State or local executive-branch offices must deny immigration-enforcement access to nonpublic or security-screened areas. Access is allowed with a valid federal court warrant or when urgent circumstances require immediate action. This access restriction excludes correctional facilities and detention facilities inside District Court or circuit court buildings.

Officers must report sensitive-location enforcement actions

Covered federal officers using Maryland arrest authority must notify designated officials about investigations or enforcement at sensitive locations, including immigration enforcement. Joint investigations require notice reasonably in advance. Local recipients are the applicable municipal or county police chief, Baltimore City police commissioner, or sheriff. Natural Resources or Transportation Authority officials receive notice for properties under their agencies. Notice also goes to the State Police barrack commander, subject to applicable State Police agreements.

Public sites must set immigration policies

The Attorney General must publish guidance on public versus private areas, agent identity checks, and checks of enforcement documents. Guidance also addresses liability, staff participation, safer and less disruptive enforcement, legal duties, and public access. Starting in 2026, guidance must be updated as needed by October 1 each year. Schools, libraries, and State or local executive-branch units at sensitive locations have an October 1, 2025 policy deadline. Their policies must match the guidance and change when it is updated. Courthouses must adopt policies by October 1, 2026, and update them as needed by October 1 annually; considering the guidance is optional. Private health, education, shelter, food distribution, and access-to-justice providers are encouraged, not required, to adopt matching policies.

Schools protect families from immigration enforcement

Public school personnel cannot take part in immigration enforcement at a public school. Covered staff include school safety staff, principals, teachers, counselors, and anyone employed by a school at least 7 days each school year. Coverage also includes officers neither assigned to nor employed by schools who lack the specified academy training and provide coverage under a local agreement. Staff generally cannot share student, employee, family, or household information for immigration enforcement. A judicial warrant, judicial subpoena, or production order triggers immediate contact with the superintendent or designee and school-system lawyer; privacy laws still apply. Staff notified of immigration enforcement at a sensitive location including a school must notify its superintendent or designee. Personnel acting under these rules receive specified immunity protections, and State and local government liability is limited.

Federal officers gain State arrest authority

Officers authorized to arrest for federal crimes and carry firearms gain authority to make State arrests and execute State warrants. This includes arrest warrants and search-and-seizure warrants. The authority applies during joint investigations with State or local law enforcement, or when assisting a police officer. It also applies at a local police or State Police officer’s request, or during an emergency.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • 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

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 37 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 14

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

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