Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB134

Introduced
1/13/23  

Caption

Clerks of the Courts - Case Management System - Information

Impact

The prospective application of HB134 signifies an important shift in how case information is documented and accessed in Maryland's judiciary. By ensuring that judicial officers’ names are associated with court actions in the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, the bill reinforces the principle of transparency in judicial processes. This may lead to improved public access to information regarding who is making decisions in legal matters, which can enhance the trust in and reliability of the court system.

Summary

House Bill 134, titled 'Clerks of the Courts – Case Management System – Information,' introduces modifications aimed at enhancing transparency in court proceedings. Specifically, it mandates that court clerks and the Administrative Office of the Courts include the name of the judge or magistrate who presided over hearings or took judicial actions in case management systems. This addition aims to inform the public about the judicial authority involved in a case, thus supporting accountability within the judicial system.

Contention

Despite its positive intent, the bill may face objections from those who argue that it could complicate case management systems or expose judges to public criticism. Critics might express concerns over privacy and the potential implications of making judicial involvement more public. The balance between maintaining judicial impartiality and ensuring transparent operations is crucial, and some legislators may question whether this bill adequately addresses those concerns.

Companion Bills

MD HB271

Carry Over Clerks of the Courts - Case Management System - Information

Previously Filed As

MD HB271

Clerks of the Courts - Case Management System - Information

MD SB118

Drunk Driving Offenses - Expungement and the Ignition Interlock System Program

MD HB105

Drunk Driving Offenses - Expungement and the Ignition Interlock System Program

MD SB2240

Misdemeanor warrant management system; direct the establishment of.

MD SB2193

Misdemeanor warrant management system; direct the establishment of.

MD SB2030

Misdemeanor warrant management system; direct the establishment of.

MD SB11

Criminal Procedure - Expungement - Vendor Contracts

MD HB1429

Collection and Publication of Criminal Case and Prosecutorial Information

MD SB111

Provides relative to system upgrades to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information and the Louisiana Supreme Court Case Management Information System to the expungement process. (8/1/23) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

MD HB1383

Public schools; transfer and management of scholastic records, disclosure of information in court.

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