MD HB835

Repeals authority for Maryland courts to issue no-knock search warrants, requiring law enforcement officers to announce their purpose and authority before entering any building, apartment, or premises to execute a search warrant.

Restricts search warrant execution to daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., with no exception for exigent circumstances (previously, no-knock warrants could be executed outside these hours under exigent circumstances).

Requires officers to wait a minimum of 20 seconds for occupants to respond and open the door before attempting entry, absent exigent circumstances.

Prohibits use of flashbang, stun, distraction, or other military-style devices when executing search warrants, except under exigent circumstances.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.