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HB 821

Judiciary Department - Judicial Removal - Disqualification From Future Judicial Office

2026 Regular Session

HB 821 establishes judicial removal procedures and permanently disqualifies removed judges from future judicial office in Maryland.

Referred Judicial Proceedings
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 821

Legislative bill overview

HB 821 establishes procedures for the removal of judges and creates provisions to disqualify removed judges from holding judicial office in the future. The bill appears to strengthen mechanisms for judicial accountability by adding permanent disqualification as a consequence of judicial removal.

Why is this important

Judicial removal and disqualification directly affects public confidence in the court system and ensures accountability for judicial misconduct. These provisions determine what consequences judges face for ethical violations or incompetence, which has real implications for how the judiciary operates and maintains legitimacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Separation of powers concerns: Questions about whether the legislature is appropriately defining removal standards or overstepping into judicial independence
  • Due process protections: Debate over what procedural safeguards removed judges receive and whether permanent disqualification is proportionate to all removal situations
  • Scope of disqualification: Uncertainty about whether lifetime bans apply to all judicial positions or only state courts, and whether appeals/reinstatement mechanisms exist

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

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