Courts and Judicial Proceedings - Charging Documents - Law Enforcement Officers

SB 716 amends Maryland law to expand the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include special police officers for the Maryland Judiciary. It requires the State's Attorney to investigate and recommend to a court before a statement of charges can be filed against law enforcement officers, emergency services personnel, or child welfare workers for crimes committed while performing their duties. The bill mandates that such applications must be immediately forwarded to the State's Attorney, who must then investigate and provide a recommendation to the District Court Commissioner before charges proceed. This change applies to cases filed on or after October 1, 2026, and does not affect the State's Attorney's authority to file formal charges or convene a grand jury.