MD HB1544

Establishes the Maryland Law Enforcement Public Service Medal as the highest state honor for sworn law enforcement officers who demonstrate extraordinary courage, bravery, or selflessness while on duty, with a maximum of five medals awarded per calendar year

Creates a Medal Review Committee within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, consisting of six members including the Secretary (as chair), Secretary of State Police, a representative from the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, and legislative and community representatives

Requires an annual state ceremony in Annapolis where recipients receive a gold medallion with the state seal, a certificate of commendation signed by the Governor and legislative presiding officers, and listing on a permanent Maryland Public Service Honor Roll at the State House

Mandates the annual ceremony honor the six workers killed in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse of March 26, 2024: Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, Jose Mynor Lopez, and Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval

Awards the first medals on March 26, 2026 to five officers who responded to the Key Bridge collapse: Sergeant Paul Pastorek, Corporal Jeremy Herbert, Senior Officer William Kinsey, Officer Timothy Baublitz, and Officer Garry Kirts