Courtroom Security - Minimum Adequate Security Standard

HB 492 establishes minimum security staffing requirements for courtrooms across Maryland courthouses. It directly affects all county courthouses and the entities (like sheriff's offices) responsible for courthouse security. The bill requires specific numbers of security officers during proceedings: starting July 2027, one officer per courtroom for most cases (two for cases involving people in custody), plus additional officers per floor; these requirements become standard for all cases starting July 2029. Security officers must meet special peace officer qualifications. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.