ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland General Assembly has introduced the No Kings Act (HB 550), a proposal that would allow individuals, under certain circumstances, to file civil lawsuits in Maryland state courts against federal law enforcement officers for alleged constitutional violations.

HB 550 was introduced on Jan. 27 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would create a new cause of action under Maryland law for claims that a federal law enforcement officer, acting under color of law, deprived a person of constitutional rights, according to the bill text.

The legislation adds a new subtitle to the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Maryland Code outlining how such actions could proceed in state court. The bill specifies definitions, scope, and applicability, and states that the provisions would apply retroactively to causes of action arising on or after March 1, 2025.

HB 550 is part of a broader legislative discussion surrounding civil rights enforcement and the balance between federal authority and state judicial power. Similar proposals from 2024 and 2025 in other jurisdictions across the country have prompted debate over federal immunity doctrines, state court jurisdiction, and potential impacts on federal-state relations.

A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate during the 2026 session (SB 346). As of early February, HB 550 remains under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee and has not advanced to a floor vote.


Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.

Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.

Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!

Mara Rice, based in Huntingtown since July 2023, grew up in northwest D.C. and lived in various parts of the country before moving to Southern Maryland after earning her Master of Public Policy at UC San...

Join the Conversation

4 Comments

  1. Leave officers of every state ,ICE .Federal do the jobs their paid for because most of our Maryland legislators don’t!!!

  2. We have a tyrannical government in Annapolis. They continuously spend more money than what they have and increase taxes and fees to cover the expenditures. They erode public safety with laws proposals like this. Notice the title, it is a reference to the anti president movement for detriment of our government, unless they are referring to the current super majority in our state.

  3. What a crock of BS. All of you Dems in MD ought to try to actually try and look out for the good of LEGAL MD citizens that you represent, and not pander to the illegals who you hope will vote for you.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *