Bill > HB478

This bill expands the jurisdiction of Hagerstown Community College police officers, allowing them to exercise peace and police officer powers beyond the college's owned or controlled property under specific circumstances. Previously, these officers were largely restricted to college property, but the new law permits them to exercise their powers when engaged in fresh pursuit of a suspected offender, facilitating traffic flow to and from college property, ordered by the Governor, or within Washington County when responding to an imminent threat to life, property, or public safety, or when complying with a memorandum of understanding with another law enforcement agency. The bill maintains that the Hagerstown Community College Board of Trustees must still establish comprehensive standards for police officers in consultation with the Secretary of State Police and Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, aiming to align these standards with those of the Department of State Police. Importantly, the bill explicitly clarifies that it does not supersede the authority of the Washington County Sheriff's Office or other law enforcement agencies, nor does it limit the existing jurisdictional authority of the Hagerstown Community College Police Force. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0478?ys=2025RS