Bill > HB885

This bill addresses the handling of investigation records related to police officer misconduct complaints by requiring the removal of such records from a police officer's personnel file under specific circumstances. The bill defines "exonerated" as a finding that a police officer acted in accordance with the law and agency policy, and "unfounded" as allegations not supported by fact. Specifically, the legislation mandates that if an administrative charging committee or trial board determines a misconduct complaint is either unfounded or exonerated, all related investigation records - including internal affairs investigatory records, hearing records, and disciplinary decision records - must be removed from the officer's personnel record three years after the finding is issued. Prior to this bill, such investigation records could not be expunged or destroyed by law enforcement agencies. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to provide a clear process for managing police misconduct investigation records that result in findings of no wrongdoing, potentially helping to protect officers' professional reputations from unsubstantiated claims.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0885?ys=2025RS