MD HB21

District Court commissioners would be prohibited from issuing arrest warrants to private citizens; only police officers (as defined in § 3–201 of the Public Safety Article) or State's Attorneys could obtain arrest warrants from commissioners

Private citizens could still file applications for statements of charges with commissioners, but commissioners could only issue summonses (not arrest warrants) in response to civilian applications

Maximum imprisonment for making false statements or reports to government officials about crimes or dangerous conditions would increase from 6 months to 3 years; the $500 fine cap remains unchanged

Effective date: October 1, 2025