WeVote
Log In

Bill

TF

Bill

SB 877

SB 877 - For any proposed administrative rule submitted by a state agency that will result in the expenditure of public funds by a state entity or political subdivision of greater than $250,000, or will result in a loss of income to an individual or business of greater than $250,000, this act requires the state agency to notify the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The Committee may hold hearings on the proposed rule. Such proposed rule shall not become effective until approved by the General Assembly through passage of a concurrent resolution. The provisions of this act will not apply to emergency rules or rules required by federal law or for federal funding. A state agency shall not file any final order of rulemaking with the Secretary of State until at least 30 days after such final order of rulemaking has been received by the Committee. Further, a state agency shall not file any notice of proposed rulemaking with the Secretary of State without first receiving from, and including a copy of, the written approval of the Governor. This act is similar to SCS/SB 350 (2025) and HB 2554 (2024). JIM ERTLE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Travis Fitzwater

The bill would increase Queen Anne’s County circuit court judges from one to two to boost judicial capacity and access.

Bill Combined w/SCS SBs 891 & 877
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 877

Summary — SB 877: Queen Anne’s County — Circuit Court Judgeships

Status: Hearing scheduled 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Sponsor (Senate file): Sen. (Hershey) — Cross‑file: HB 975 (Delegate Arentz)

Note: The file provided contained unrelated text from other states’ bills (Hawaii, Illinois). The summary below focuses only on the Maryland bill titled “Queen Anne’s County – Circuit Court Judgeships.”

Purpose / Intent

To increase the number of resident circuit court judges in Queen Anne’s County from one to two, with the aim of improving judicial capacity and access to the circuit court in that county.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, to change the table of resident circuit court judges (Section 1–503) by increasing Queen Anne’s County’s allocation from 1 to 2 judges.
  • Repeals and reenacts the relevant statutory section(s) to reflect the new judgeship count.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Fiscal and Operational Impact

State (General Fund)
- One additional circuit judge plus two support positions (one courtroom clerk and one law clerk) are funded.
- Estimated general fund expenditures:
- FY 2026: $358,285 (reflects a 90‑day start-up delay from the July 1 effective date)
- FY 2027: $472,000
- FY 2028: $479,000
- FY 2029: $486,400
- FY 2030: $493,900
- Judicial salary increases beyond FY2026 are not reflected (statutory salary settings and future adjustments may change costs).

Local (Queen Anne’s County)
- Estimated increased county expenditures of at least $168,000 in FY 2026 (start‑up/operating costs) and a minimum of $235,000 annually thereafter to support the additional judgeship (office, staff, operations).

Other
- Revenues: No direct revenue impact anticipated.
- Small Business: No effect noted.

Who Is Affected

  • Judiciary/Administrative Office of the Courts (personnel, facilities, budget).
  • Queen Anne’s County government (operating support and local costs).
  • Residents and litigants in Queen Anne’s County (potentially improved access, reduced backlog, faster case processing).
  • State general fund budget (increased ongoing expenditures).

Procedural / Timeline Notes

  • Introduced January 22, 2025; first reading and referral followed (committee actions listed in bill file).
  • Public hearing scheduled for February 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Cross‑filed companion: HB 975.

Additional Context

  • The fiscal estimate assumes hiring of one judge, one courtroom clerk, and one law clerk. The bill’s effective date (July 1, 2025) drives the FY 2026 start‑up timing.
  • No similar legislation on this specific judgeship was identified in the most recent three years (per the fiscal note).

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

Sign in to ask a question.