SB 621 establishes a statewide minimum adequate security standard for courtroom security at courthouse facilities in Maryland. The bill defines a court security officer as someone who meets the qualifications for a special police officer under the Public Safety Article and sets staffing requirements that phase in over time. Beginning July 1, 2026, courtrooms must generally have at least one security officer during criminal, family, or juvenile proceedings, and two officers for proceedings involving an incarcerated person or someone who may be remanded to custody. The bill also requires an additional officer for every four or fewer courtrooms on each floor of a courthouse.
Beginning July 1, 2028, the staffing requirement expands so that at least one court security officer must be present for any proceeding, while the two-officer requirement for proceedings involving incarcerated individuals remains in place. The bill also requires courthouse security personnel to meet special police officer qualifications, tying courtroom security staffing to existing state standards for special police authority.
Impact
The bill adds new Section 1-206 to the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and creates enforceable statewide courtroom security staffing standards for courthouse facilities. It also requires each law enforcement agency, department, or entity providing courthouse security to submit a report by September 30, 2025, detailing current staffing, funding, vacancies, a plan to meet the new standards, and any obstacles to compliance. The measure affects courthouse security operations, staffing budgets, and administrative planning for courts, law enforcement agencies, and local or state entities responsible for courthouse protection.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed the Senate 43-0 and the House 138-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The committee report was favorable with amendments, suggesting lawmakers supported the policy while making technical or implementation-related changes.
Contention
The main practical issue raised by the bill is implementation: agencies must determine whether they have enough qualified court security officers, enough funding, and a workable plan to meet the new minimums. The reporting requirement specifically asks agencies to identify vacancies, funding gaps, and obstacles, which suggests concern about staffing shortages and the feasibility of meeting the phased-in standards. No recorded floor debate or committee transcript is provided, so there is no evidence of substantive policy opposition in the available materials.