Senate Bill 766 expands Maryland Capitol Police jurisdiction to statewide enforcement

The Judicial Proceedings Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several legislative proposals, including Senate Bill 766, which aims to expand the jurisdiction of the Maryland Capitol Police (MCP) to include statewide enforcement activities.

Senator Michael Jackson, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the need for this legislation during his opening remarks. He noted that the bill seeks to clarify and enhance the authority of the Capitol Police to better fulfill their public safety mission. The proposed changes would extend the MCP's jurisdiction from 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet beyond state-owned and leased facilities, allowing for more effective collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.

Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services, Mateef Chaudhry, supported the bill, describing it as a "cleanup" measure that addresses inconsistencies in existing laws. He highlighted the importance of statewide jurisdiction for the MCP, which currently oversees approximately 1,400 buildings and nearly 400 leases across Maryland. Chaudhry also mentioned that the expanded jurisdiction would facilitate better responses to critical incidents and improve safety for state employees.

Deputy Chief Glenn McGuire of the Maryland Capitol Police further elaborated on the necessity of the bill, citing challenges posed by the current 1,000-foot jurisdiction limit. He explained that the proposed changes would enhance the MCP's ability to respond to emergencies and conduct law enforcement activities more effectively. Chief Mike Wilson added that the MCP has been actively involved in various statewide operations, including bomb threat responses and community safety initiatives.

However, concerns were raised by committee members regarding potential "mission creep" and the risk of overlapping responsibilities with other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Maryland State Police. Senator West questioned whether the bill could be amended to limit the MCP's enforcement capabilities to assisting other agencies rather than initiating independent investigations.

In response, the bill's proponents assured the committee that they had collaborated with the Maryland State Police during the drafting process and emphasized the importance of establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with local law enforcement to clarify roles and responsibilities.

The committee's discussions highlighted the balance between enhancing the capabilities of the Maryland Capitol Police and ensuring effective coordination with existing law enforcement agencies. As the bill progresses, further deliberations will be necessary to address the concerns raised and determine the best path forward for public safety in Maryland.