Maryland House Bill HB139

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

Public Safety - Police Accountability - Deadline for Completion of Investigation

Impact

This legislation proposes significant changes to how police misconduct complaints are processed. By setting a nine-month deadline for investigations and requiring administrative charging committees to review findings within 30 days, it aims to ensure timely accountability. If enacted, these changes may lead to expedited investigations and foster a culture of accountability among law enforcement, which may ultimately help in rebuilding relationships between police departments and the communities they serve.

Summary

House Bill 139 focuses on enhancing police accountability by establishing strict deadlines for the completion of investigations into police misconduct. The bill mandates that the investigating unit of any law enforcement agency must complete its review of a complaint and forward the investigatory files to the designated administrative charging committee within a specific timeframe after the complaint is filed. This is intended to streamline the process of handling allegations against police officers and improve public trust in law enforcement agencies.

Contention

Despite the intent to promote accountability, there may be challenges and points of contention surrounding HB139. Some law enforcement agencies might resist these imposed timeframes, arguing that thorough investigations could be compromised under strict deadlines. Additionally, the bill could face criticism regarding the resources and training required for the members of the administrative charging committees established within counties, as well as potential pushback from police unions concerned about the implications for officers being investigated.