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Panel hears bill to curb citizen-filed arrest warrants, expand screening and penalties for false complaints
Summary
House Bill 21 would narrow the power of district court commissioners to issue arrest warrants based solely on citizen complaints, require earlier screening by law enforcement or prosecutors for serious allegations and raise penalties for false statements, lawmakers heard Thursday.
House Bill 21 would restrict a district court commissioner's ability to issue arrest warrants on the basis of citizen-filed complaints alone, require referral or rapid screening by law enforcement or a prosecutor for serious charges, and increase penalties for knowingly making false statements in some circumstances.
Supporters — including Delegate Jackie Addison, Baltimore City State—s Attorney Ivan Bates, Prince George—s County State—s Attorney Maisha Bray, and several victims and victim advocates — told the committee they had seen people harmed by arrest warrants issued after unvetted citizen complaints. Baltimore City State—s Attorney Ivan Bates described cases where individuals were detained and suffered job and reputational loss before prosecutors could evaluate evidence; he urged that prosecutors…
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