Bill > HB1485

This bill expands the jurisdiction and enforcement powers of the Maryland Capitol Police (MCP) within the Department of General Services. Currently, the MCP has jurisdiction over state-owned or state-leased buildings and their immediate surrounding areas, which is being expanded from a 1,000-foot to a 2,000-foot radius. The bill also grants MCP officers statewide investigative and enforcement powers for criminal laws and certain criminal procedure matters, with the important caveat that when exercising these powers outside their typical jurisdiction, they must promptly notify local law enforcement authorities such as municipal police chiefs, county police chiefs, sheriffs, or the Baltimore City Police Commissioner. The legislation preserves the existing provision that the presiding officers of the General Assembly retain final authority over access to state legislative buildings in Annapolis. The bill establishes that MCP officers must meet legal requirements set by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission and be formally designated as police officers by the Department of General Services to exercise these expanded powers. The new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025.