Bill > SB346

This bill, known as the "No Kings Act," establishes a civil right of action for individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by certain government officials. Specifically, it allows an aggrieved party or the Attorney General's office to sue a "covered officer," defined as an individual who can make arrests for violations of federal law and carry firearms, if that officer, acting under the authority of law, deprives someone of a right, privilege, or immunity secured by federal law. The bill clarifies that "law" in this context includes the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes, but no longer includes the Maryland Declaration of Rights or the Maryland Constitution. Importantly, the bill extends the time limit for filing such an action from three to five years after the cause of action arises and allows for the recovery of damages, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees for a prevailing plaintiff. It also specifies that defendants can assert any immunity defenses that were available at the time the cause of action accrued, and it clarifies that this act does not affect existing state or local government liability or statutory waivers of immunity. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.