Workgroup to Study Extreme Risk Protective Orders (Sagar Ghimire Act)
Summary
HB1541 establishes a temporary Workgroup to Study Extreme Risk Protective Orders, also known as the Sagar Ghimire Act. The workgroup is directed to examine how extreme risk protective orders are used in Maryland and to develop policy recommendations for improving their use. It is scheduled to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by May 1, 2027.
The workgroup would include the Secretary of Health, the Attorney General, the Public Defender, leadership representatives from the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, and one Governor-appointed representative from a mental health services organization. The Secretary of Health would chair the group, and the Department of Health would provide staff support. Members would serve without compensation, though they may be reimbursed for expenses. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026, and sunsets on June 30, 2028.
Impact
The bill does not directly change the substantive law governing extreme risk protective orders; instead, it creates a temporary advisory body to study the existing framework and recommend improvements. Its legal effect is to establish a new interagency workgroup within the Department of Health, assign membership and administrative responsibilities, and require a formal report to the executive branch and legislature. Any future changes to protective-order law would depend on subsequent legislation informed by the workgroup’s recommendations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a collaborative, policy-oriented study rather than a contested regulatory change. The inclusion of public safety, legal, and mental health stakeholders suggests an effort to balance perspectives and build consensus around a sensitive issue. No vote record or committee testimony was provided, so there is no evidence here of strong support or opposition, but the structure of the bill indicates a generally measured and exploratory approach.
Contention
The likely points of contention involve how extreme risk protective orders are used, whether they are effective, and how they affect due process, public safety, and access to mental health interventions. The presence of the Public Defender and law enforcement representatives on the same workgroup suggests anticipated debate over civil liberties versus gun violence prevention and emergency intervention standards. Mental health advocates may focus on treatment and crisis response, while police and sheriffs may emphasize enforceability and public safety; however, no specific objections or endorsements are included in the provided materials.