Bill > HB1152

This bill requires the Department of State Police, which is the state agency responsible for law enforcement, to conduct a comprehensive study on the employment and use of special police officers. Special police officers are individuals authorized by law to exercise certain police powers, with their specific meaning defined in Section 3-301 of the Public Safety Article. The study will examine various aspects of these officers' roles, including how they are commissioned, their employment requirements, their operations, training, equipment, the scope of their authority (jurisdiction), and the processes for suspending or revoking their commissions. To inform its recommendations, the Department will compare Maryland's regulations for special police officers with those in surrounding states, analyze best practices for their use by both public and private employers, and consider factors such as the number of officers, mandated training (including firearms), their impact on public safety, and any recorded complaints. The Department is also mandated to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including special police officers themselves, their employers, various law enforcement associations, state agencies, and training academies. Finally, the Department must submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1152?ys=2026RS