Courts - State Reporter - Publication of Cases

HB 787 removes a requirement that the State Reporter secure copyright for published court opinions in Maryland. The bill amends the law to eliminate the provision stating the Reporter must "secure copyright for the State of Maryland as its property," while keeping other publication rules intact. This directly affects the State Reporter (who prepares court reports) and the Supreme Court and Appellate Court of Maryland (which designate cases for publication). The key change simplifies the process by removing the copyright obligation, though courts must still publish opinions within six months of the decision. The bill does not alter publication timelines or other operational requirements for court reports.