Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB1017: Correctional Services - Private Detention Facilities - Zoning Requirement
Status: Signed into law, April 28, 2026
Prohibiting the State or a unit of local government from approving the construction or operation of a building, structure, or other real property for use as a detention facility by a private entity; establishing that a building, structure, or other real property is considered proposed for use as a detention facility, regardless of how the use is descried in an application or permit request under certain circumstances; establishing a certain penalty; authorizing the Attorney General to bring a civil action to enforce the Act; etc.
What the bill says
A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Correctional Services - Private Immigration Detention Facilities - Zoning Requirement FOR the purpose of prohibiting the State or a unit of local government from approving the use of a building or structure as an immigration detention facility by a private entity unless certain zoning authority applies; establishing a certain penalty for a certain violation; authorizing the Attorney General to bring a civil action to enforce this Act; applying this Act retroactively; and generally relating to immigration detention facilities…
From the introduced text, February 6, 2026:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Correctional Services - Private Immigration Detention Facilities - Zoning Requirement FOR the purpose of prohibiting the State or a unit of local government from approving the use of a building or structure as an immigration detention facility by a private entity unless certain zoning authority applies; establishing a certain penalty for a certain violation; authorizing the Attorney General to bring a civil action to enforce this Act; applying this Act retroactively; and generally relating to immigration detention facilities. BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Correctional Services Section 1-101(a) and (j) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume) BY adding to Article - Correctional Services Section 1-103 Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Correctional Services 1-101. (a) In this article the following words have the meanings indicated. EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from exist in g l aw . *hb1017* HOUSE BILL 1017 (j) "Immigration detention facility" means any building, facility, or structure used, in whole or in part, to house or detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations. 1-103. (A) (1) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, THE STATE OR A UNIT OF …