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HB 1036

Office of the Attorney General - Independent Investigations Division - Federal Law Enforcement or Immigration Enforcement

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Bartlett

Maryland would create an independent state division to investigate federal law enforcement and immigration agents for misconduct, expanding state oversight of federal operations.

First Reading Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 1036

Legislative bill overview

HB 1036 would establish an Independent Investigations Division within Maryland's Office of the Attorney General to investigate complaints against federal law enforcement and immigration enforcement agents operating within the state. The bill creates a new oversight mechanism specifically for federal agents, separate from existing state law enforcement accountability structures.

Why is this important

Federal law enforcement and immigration agents operate in Maryland with limited state-level oversight, creating a gap in accountability mechanisms for citizens who experience misconduct. This bill would give Maryland state authority to investigate and potentially discipline or refer federal agents for violations, addressing a jurisdictional blind spot that affects immigrant communities and other Marylanders who interact with federal authorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal jurisdiction concerns: Questions about whether states can legally investigate and sanction federal officers, and whether this creates conflicts with federal preemption and interstate federal law enforcement coordination
  • Resource and funding requirements: Establishing a new division requires significant state budget allocation, staffing, and training to investigate federal agents—unclear who bears these costs
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear what actual consequences or remedies the state can impose on federal agents, since states have limited authority over federal employment decisions and discipline
  • Implementation scope: Ambiguity about which federal agencies qualify, what constitutes "immigration enforcement," and whether this applies to all federal officers or specific agencies

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

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