Public Health - Crisis Response System - Resources for Family Members and Trauma-Informed Care Training (Tiarra's Law)
Summary
HB1485 alters the jurisdiction of the Maryland Capitol Police within the Department of General Services. The bill expands the area in which the force may exercise police authority around State-owned or State-leased buildings and grounds, increasing the surrounding jurisdictional buffer from 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet. It also removes older, location-specific jurisdiction language tied to particular buildings and agencies, replacing it with broader coverage for State facilities and other public improvements designated by law or the Board of Public Works.
In addition to the expanded facility-based jurisdiction, the bill authorizes Maryland Capitol Police officers to investigate and enforce criminal laws and Title 12 of the Criminal Procedure Article statewide, subject to notification requirements to local law enforcement or the sheriff in the relevant jurisdiction. The bill preserves the existing provision that the presiding officers of the General Assembly retain final authority over access to State legislative buildings in Annapolis for legislators, staff, and Department of Legislative Services personnel. The effective date is October 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill amends § 4-601 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and makes conforming changes to § 4-605. Its main legal effect is to broaden the Maryland Capitol Police’s territorial authority around State facilities and to create a new statewide investigative and enforcement power, while requiring coordination notice to local police, sheriffs, or the Baltimore City Police Commissioner when that statewide authority is used. The bill affects the Department of General Services, Maryland Capitol Police officers, local law enforcement agencies, and persons present in or near State-owned or State-leased properties.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears procedural and administrative rather than ideologically charged. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate strong support or opposition. The bill’s structure suggests an effort to modernize and clarify police jurisdiction rather than to create a controversial new enforcement regime.
Contention
The most likely points of contention are the expansion of police authority beyond the immediate perimeter of State buildings and the grant of statewide investigative and enforcement powers to a specialized State police force. Local governments and law enforcement agencies may be concerned about overlap with their own jurisdiction, while supporters would likely emphasize improved security and clearer authority around State property. The bill also preserves legislative control over access to Annapolis legislative buildings, which may be important to members concerned about separation of powers and access to the State House complex.