Senate adopts amended 'Maryland Values Act' limiting access by outside agents to sensitive locations, directs AG guidance on data and access

The Maryland Senate on April 7 adopted an amended version of House Bill 12-22, titled the Maryland Values Act, requiring state entities that operate "sensitive locations" to deny access to the public portions of those locations to individuals seeking to enforce immigration law unless the person presents a valid judicial warrant or exigent circumstances exist.

The chair of the committee summarized the measure on the floor as amended, saying the bill now "requires certain state entities operating at sensitive locations to deny access to the public portion of the sensitive location to an individual seeking to enforce federal immigration law unless the individual presents a valid judicial warrant or exigent circumstances exist." The chair added that the attorney general is directed to develop and publish guidance "relating to the immigration enforcement at sensitive locations" and that governmental entities must develop procedures on the release or resale of personal records made available by the government entity.

Why it matters: supporters said the bill clarifies protections at courthouses, judicial chambers and other locations identified as sensitive and creates…