ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan announced actions on legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 2021 legislative session.
Vetoes
Senate Bill 71 - Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 - Body-Worn Cameras-Employee Programs, and Use of Force
Senate Bill 178 - Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 - Search Warrants and Inspection of Records Relating to Police Misconduct
House Bill 670 - Police Reform and Accountability Act of 2021
“These bills would undermine the goal that I believe we share of building transparent, accountable, and effective law enforcement institutions and instead further erode police morale, community relationships, and public confidence. They will result in great damage to police recruitment and retention, posing significant risks to public safety throughout our state. Under these circumstances, I have no choice but to uphold my primary responsibility to keep Marylanders safe—especially those that live in vulnerable communities most impacted by violent crime—and veto these bills.”
Legislation to Take Effect Without Signature
Senate Bill 600 - Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 - Surplus Military Equipment and Investigation of Deaths Caused by Police Officers
Senate Bill 786 - Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 - Baltimore City - Control of the Police Department of Baltimore City
“As expected, the hard work done over the past year by the House Workgroup to Address Police Reform and Accountability and the Judicial Proceedings Committee yielded several pieces of positive legislation. The two bills mentioned above are meaningful steps forward and offer promise for much needed change. I would like to acknowledge the work of the General Assembly, law enforcement, state’s attorneys, and advocates with the goal of promoting conscientious and impactful improvements in police reform and accountability.”
