Bill > SB762

This bill modifies existing Maryland law regarding the retention of police misconduct investigation records by introducing a new provision for expungement. Currently, records related to administrative or criminal investigations of police officer misconduct, including internal affairs records, hearing records, and disciplinary decision documents, cannot be expunged or destroyed by law enforcement agencies. The new legislation creates an exception for matters reviewed by an Administrative Charging Committee, stipulating that records of an administrative misconduct investigation, including the original complaint, must be expunged three years after the committee determines that the police officer will not face administrative charges. This change provides a clear timeline for the potential removal of misconduct investigation records when no formal administrative action is taken against the officer, which could help protect the privacy of officers who are not ultimately charged and provide a mechanism for clearing certain types of investigative documentation after a specified period. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving law enforcement agencies time to prepare for and implement the new expungement requirement.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0762?ys=2025RS