Bill > HB1415

This bill requires the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, referred to as the "Commission," to create a model policy for law enforcement agencies that mandates officers wear visible identification while on duty. This identification must include the officer's agency, last name, and a badge or identification number, and it must be displayed on the outermost layer of clothing. The model policy will also specify details about the size, placement, and legibility of this identification, including requirements for plainclothes officers and circumstances where identification might be temporarily obscured for safety reasons, with mandatory reporting for such instances. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies must adopt policies that align with this model, and officers who knowingly violate these identification requirements face misdemeanor charges, potential jail time or fines, and the loss of immunity in civil lawsuits. This bill defines "law enforcement agency" broadly to include state, other state, local, and federal entities, and "law enforcement officer" as anyone authorized or purporting to be authorized to exercise law enforcement authority, including contractors. An exception is made for officers actively engaged in undercover operations, and the new rules are set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1415?ys=2026RS