Bill > HB351

This bill, titled "Constitutional Rights - Violations and Digital Unmasking," aims to establish a new legal framework for addressing violations of constitutional rights, particularly concerning federal agents and now, judicial officers. It introduces a new subtitle in Maryland law that defines "judicial officer" as someone who can make arrests for U.S. Code violations and carry firearms, and expands the definition of "law" to include the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. The bill allows an aggrieved party or the Attorney General's office to sue a judicial officer who, under the guise of law, deprives someone of a secured right, privilege, or immunity, and permits the recovery of damages, declaratory relief, and attorney fees. Crucially, it modifies existing provisions related to federal agent misconduct to now apply to "judicial officer misconduct," enabling the Attorney General, a State Prosecutor, or a State's Attorney to direct law enforcement to collect and securely store identifying digital data, such as license plate, cell tower, and location data, about a judicial officer who is the subject of a misconduct complaint. This collected data can only be accessed by the plaintiff in accordance with a court order issued in an action under the new subtitle, replacing the previous requirement for a court order in specific civil rights or criminal cases. The bill also includes standard severability and emergency measure clauses, indicating it is intended to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0351?ys=2026RS