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HB 464

Criminal Procedure - No-Knock Search Warrants - Repeal

2026 Regular Session

Maryland bill would completely ban no-knock search warrants, requiring law enforcement to announce identity and purpose before entry during warrant execution.

Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 464

Legislative bill overview

HB 464 would repeal Maryland's authorization for no-knock search warrants, eliminating law enforcement's ability to enter properties without announcing themselves or waiting for occupants to answer. The bill represents a complete prohibition on this police tactic across the state. This follows similar reform efforts in other jurisdictions responding to concerns about warrant execution safety and civil liberties.

Why is this important

No-knock warrants have been central to high-profile incidents resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, raising questions about proportionality and officer/resident safety during warrant execution. The policy change would fundamentally alter how Maryland police conduct drug raids, felony arrests, and other warrant-based operations. This directly affects both law enforcement tactics and the civil liberties protections available to Maryland residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement concerns: Police agencies may argue no-knock warrants are necessary for officer safety when executing warrants for violent offenders or in drug trafficking situations where evidence destruction is a risk
  • Effectiveness claims: Debate over whether the prohibition would hamper investigations, particularly regarding destruction of evidence in drug cases, versus claims that announced warrants are equally effective
  • Implementation details: Questions about what exceptions, if any, would exist for emergency situations, and how "announced" warrant procedures would be defined and enforced

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

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