Maryland HB1031: Law Enforcement - Use of Force - National Guard Members

What the bill says

A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Law Enforcement - Use of Force - National Guard Members FOR the purpose of establishing certain use of force standards applicable to certain National Guard members acting in the State; prohibiting a National Guard member from violating the use of force standards, resulting in serious physical injury or death to a person; and generally relating to use of force by law enforcement. BY adding to Article - Public Safety Section 3-524.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).

From the introduced text, February 10, 2026:

A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Law Enforcement - Use of Force - National Guard Members FOR the purpose of establishing certain use of force standards applicable to certain National Guard members acting in the State; prohibiting a National Guard member from violating the use of force standards, resulting in serious physical injury or death to a person; and generally relating to use of force by law enforcement. BY adding to Article - Public Safety Section 3-524.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Public Safety 3-524.1. (A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS INDICATED. (2) "NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER" MEANS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD SUPPORTING OPERATIONS OR MISSIONS IN THE STATE AT THE REQUEST OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES UNDER 32 U.S.C. § 502. (3) "SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY" HAS THE MEANING STATED IN § 3-201 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE. EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from exist in g l aw . *hb1031* HOUSE BILL 1031 (B) (1) A NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER MAY NOT USE FORCE AGAINST A PERSON UNLESS, UNDER THE …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Sandy Bartlett (D, HD-032) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. March 16, 2026: Withdrawn by Sponsor
2. February 13, 2026: Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
3. February 13, 2026: Hearing canceled
4. February 10, 2026: Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
5. February 9, 2026: First Reading Judiciary

Common questions

What is HB1031?

HB1031 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Law Enforcement - Use of Force - National Guard Members.

What does HB1031 do?

In its own words: A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Law Enforcement - Use of Force - National Guard Members FOR the purpose of establishing certain use of force standards applicable to certain National Guard members acting in the State; prohibiting a National Guard member from violating the use of force standards, resulting in serious physical injury or death to a person; and generally relating to use of force by law enforcement. BY adding to Article - Public Safety Section 3-524.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).

What is the status of HB1031?

Failed as of March 16, 2026. Latest action: Withdrawn by Sponsor (March 16, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1031?

Sandy Bartlett (D, HD-032).

Where is the official record for HB1031?

On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb1031?ys=2026RS