Immigration (Driver Licenses & IDs)

HB 719 prohibits Maryland state and local government entities, including county sheriffs and agencies, from adopting "sanctuary policies" that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It repeals existing laws that previously limited police from asking about immigration status during routine stops or detaining individuals solely for immigration violations. The bill requires local law enforcement to comply with federal immigration detainers when legally required and removes barriers to federal agents accessing sensitive locations (like schools) with valid warrants. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and local government agencies in their daily interactions with federal immigration authorities.

HB 454, the "SAVE Our Elections Act of 2026," requires Maryland to join the federal SAVE Program (Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement) to verify U.S. citizenship for voter registration applicants. It directly affects individuals applying to register to vote in Maryland, mandating that the State Board of Elections use the federal SAVE system to confirm citizenship during the registration process. Key provisions include requiring the State Administrator to enroll in SAVE, establishing a verification process for applicants, and creating an appeal mechanism for voters who dispute citizenship determinations. The bill replaces current self-declaration requirements with federal verification, amending election law sections governing voter registration eligibility and processing.

HB 708 requires all Maryland municipalities to mandate voter registration for local elections and prohibits non-U.S. citizens from registering to vote in municipal elections. It repeals existing provisions that allowed some municipalities to skip registration requirements and adds new Section 4-108.6 to state law, explicitly stating that municipalities must require registration and that only U.S. citizens may register. The bill directly affects all Maryland cities and towns (municipalities) and non-citizen residents seeking to vote in local elections. It applies solely to municipal elections, not state or federal elections.