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HB 1333

Public Safety - Maryland Law Enforcement Public Service Medal

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Harry Bhandari

Maryland HB 1333 establishes a Public Service Medal recognizing exceptional law enforcement officer service and heroism, formalizing state recognition standards.

Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1333

Legislative bill overview

HB 1333 establishes a Public Service Medal for Maryland law enforcement officers to recognize exceptional service and heroism. The bill creates criteria for awarding the medal and designates the authority responsible for selecting recipients. It provides formal recognition through an official state commendation program.

Why is this important

Law enforcement recognition programs can boost morale, set standards for excellence within agencies, and demonstrate public appreciation for officer service. The medal creates a formal framework for acknowledging extraordinary contributions, which may influence recruitment and retention in the profession.

Potential points of contention

  • Criteria ambiguity: The specificity of "exceptional service" and "heroism" may be unclear, potentially leading to inconsistent award decisions or perception of bias in selection
  • Budget and resources: Creating and administering a medals program requires funding for design, production, and ceremony costs that may compete with other public safety priorities
  • Scope limitations: Questions may arise about whether the medal sufficiently recognizes diverse roles in law enforcement or if it risks overlooking civilian support staff contributions

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

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