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HB 1116

Public Safety - State Clearinghouse for Missing Persons

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Healey

Maryland bill creating state clearinghouse to centralize missing persons data and coordinate investigations across local law enforcement agencies, vetoed by Governor over apparent policy concerns.

Vetoed by the Governor (Policy)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1116

Legislative bill overview

HB 1116 establishes a state clearinghouse system in Maryland to coordinate missing persons cases across local law enforcement agencies. The bill creates centralized data collection, information sharing protocols, and standardized procedures for reporting and investigating missing persons, with particular attention to vulnerable populations.

Why is this important

Missing persons cases often suffer from communication gaps between jurisdictions, leading to delayed investigations and lost critical early hours. A state clearinghouse could improve response times, prevent duplicate efforts, and help identify patterns across cases—potentially benefiting families and recovery outcomes. However, the Governor's veto suggests concerns about implementation costs, operational feasibility, or privacy considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: Establishing and maintaining a state clearinghouse requires dedicated resources; the veto may reflect budget constraints or questions about long-term sustainability
  • Privacy and data security: Centralizing sensitive missing persons data raises concerns about information access, retention standards, and protection against misuse
  • Local agency compliance: Mandating participation and data-sharing requirements could create administrative burdens on local police departments already managing tight resources

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

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