Maryland2026Active
HB0031
Police Discipline - Order to Show Cause
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law allows a police officer denied a right under the subtitle to ask a circuit court for an order requiring their agency to explain why that right should not be granted.
What it does
- Allows a police officer who is denied a right granted by this subtitle to apply to the circuit court at any time before a hearing board meeting occurs.
- Requires the court to issue an order directing the law enforcement agency to show cause why the right should not be granted.
- Sets rules for which county's circuit court must handle the application based on whether the officer works for a local, statewide, or bicounty agency.
Who it affects
- Police officers who are denied a right granted by this subtitle during disciplinary proceedings.
- Law enforcement agencies that may receive an order to show cause from a court.
- Circuit courts in the county where a local or countywide agency is located, or Anne Arundel County for statewide or bicounty agencies.
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not list the specific rights a police officer can claim are being denied.
- It is unclear what happens if an agency ignores or delays responding to the court order.
- The text does not explain how long the process takes from application to final decision.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Order to Show Cause
- A court order directing an agency to explain why it should not grant a specific right to an officer.
- Hearing Board
- The group that holds hearings under Section 3–106 of this subtitle before which the application must be made.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Authorizing a police officer who is denied a certain right to apply to the circuit court at any time before a hearing is held by the hearing board for an order that directs the law enforcement agency to show cause why the right should not be granted.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the House - Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.