SB622 makes a narrow change to Maryland law governing the publication of appellate opinions. Under current law, the State Reporter prepares and publishes reports of cases decided by the Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland, and the statute also required the Reporter to secure copyright for the State of Maryland in those published reports. This bill repeals that copyright requirement while leaving the rest of the publication duties intact.
The bill continues to require the State Reporter, under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Maryland, to prepare reports of designated opinions, obtain copies from the appellate clerks, and publish opinions within six months of decision. It also preserves the existing provision for clerical assistance in the state budget. The effective date is October 1, 2025.
Impact
SB622 amends Section 13-203 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article by removing the statutory mandate that the State Reporter secure copyright for the State in published appellate reports. The practical effect is to eliminate a state copyright claim over those official reports while maintaining the state’s publication system for appellate decisions. The bill does not alter which cases are published, the timeline for publication, or the Reporter’s supervisory structure.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been noncontroversial and received unanimous support in both chambers. It passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 133-0, and the committee report was favorable. The absence of recorded opposition or committee discussion suggests broad agreement with the Judiciary-requested technical change.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The only substantive policy issue is the removal of the State’s copyright interest in published appellate opinions, which may matter to those concerned with public access, official legal publications, or state control over court reports. However, the unanimous votes indicate no organized opposition from legislators, the judiciary, or committee members in the materials provided.