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MD HB1359

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Sheila Ruth

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Each law enforcement agency in Maryland must submit its police pursuit policy to the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission annually by January 1, beginning in 2027.

  • The Commission must report annually by June 1 to the Governor and General Assembly on pursuit data including number of pursuits, reasons for initiation and termination, outcomes, and any injuries or fatalities to officers, suspects, or bystanders.

  • The Commission must develop a model policy for police pursuits by January 1, 2028, prioritizing the safety of law enforcement officers and bystanders.

  • All law enforcement agencies must adopt a pursuit policy meeting or exceeding the model policy standards by July 1, 2028.

  • The Act takes effect October 1, 2026.

Legislative Description

Police Pursuits of Fleeing Suspects - Standards (Dimeka Thornton Act)

Safety

Last Action

Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.

2/16/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available