Maryland Senate passes police accountability bill adjusting disciplinary timelines

The Baltimore County Police Accountability Board meeting on April 21, 2025, focused on significant legislative changes regarding police discipline and accountability. Key discussions centered around several bills aimed at improving the investigatory process for police misconduct.

One of the most notable pieces of legislation discussed was Senate Bill 533, which modifies the timeline for filing administrative charges against police officers. Previously, the disciplinary process had to be completed within one year and one day from the filing of a complaint. This posed challenges, particularly when an officer was also facing criminal charges, as the necessary evidence might not be available within that timeframe. The new law allows the one-year deadline to start only after the conclusion of any criminal case, ensuring that the administrative charging committee can review all relevant evidence before making a decision.

Additionally, the meeting addressed Senate Bill 532, which aimed to allow officers to seek judicial review if they believed their rights were violated during investigations. However, this bill did not advance in the legislative process. Other proposed bills, such as those allowing police officers to file complaints against misconduct and altering the composition of trial boards, were also discussed but ultimately withdrawn or did not receive votes.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the implications of these legislative changes for police accountability in Baltimore County. The passage of Senate Bill 533 represents a significant step toward ensuring a fairer and more thorough investigatory process for police officers facing allegations of misconduct. The board emphasized the importance of these reforms in enhancing public trust and accountability within law enforcement.