Criminal Justice (Public Safety)

SB 520 allows charter counties in Maryland to set property tax rates above their charter limits - via simple majority vote - to fund public safety budgets (like police and fire services). It requires that any excess tax revenue collected beyond the charter limit must be allocated solely to public safety, not other county programs. The bill applies only to charter counties (e.g., Baltimore County) and mandates annual reporting to the Governor and legislature on tax rates and revenue usage. This changes existing tax rules by creating a specific exemption for public safety funding while maintaining other budget constraints.

SB 321 requires all Maryland law enforcement agencies to mandate body-worn cameras for every sworn officer while they are in uniform, in public, and performing law enforcement duties. It directly affects all sworn officers across Maryland, with specific deadlines: named agencies (State Police, Anne Arundel, Howard, and Harford County) must comply by July 1, 2023, and other county agencies by July 1, 2025. Agencies must develop their own policies governing camera use, but the mandate applies uniformly regardless of an officer’s rank. The bill amends Maryland’s public safety code to establish this requirement, focusing on transparency during public interactions. It does not specify data retention or public access details, only the operational mandate for officers.

HB 155 requires all Maryland law enforcement agencies to adopt policies prohibiting officers from wearing face coverings (like opaque masks or helmets) during routine duties, with specific exceptions. The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission must create a model policy emphasizing transparency and excluding religious items, medical masks, or safety gear (such as helmets for motorcycle operations). Officers violating this rule face potential fines or loss of civil immunity, but exceptions cover religious garments, medical protection, and occupational safety needs. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.