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HB 835

Criminal Procedure - No-Knock Search Warrants

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 7 co-sponsors

HB 835 restricts no-knock search warrants in Maryland, requiring police to announce before entry to protect resident safety and constitutional rights.

Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 835

Legislative bill overview

HB 835 would restrict or eliminate no-knock search warrants in Maryland, requiring law enforcement to announce their presence and purpose before entering a residence during warrant execution. The bill responds to concerns about officer safety, resident safety, and the potential for mistaken identity confrontations during high-risk searches.

Why is this important

No-knock warrants have been linked to several high-profile incidents resulting in resident deaths and injuries, raising questions about proportionality and due process protections. The policy directly affects both police tactics and civilian rights, with implications for how Maryland balances law enforcement effectiveness against protection from unreasonable searches.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement opposition: Police departments may argue that announcement requirements compromise officer safety and allow suspects to destroy evidence or flee
  • Scope and exceptions: Disagreement over whether certain situations (violent felonies, weapons suspected, imminent danger) should retain no-knock authority
  • Effectiveness concerns: Debate over whether the reform impacts crime-solving rates or conviction outcomes in drug cases and other investigations where no-knock warrants are frequently used

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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