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HB 1144

State Public Transit Service and Stations - Exclusion for Assault and Bodily Injury

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison and 19 co-sponsors

Maryland authorizes public transit agencies to ban individuals who commit assault or cause bodily injury at transit stations or vehicles from the state transit system.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 542
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Bill Summary · HB 1144

Legislative bill overview

HB 1144 establishes that individuals who commit assault or cause bodily injury at public transit stations or on transit vehicles can be excluded from using Maryland's state public transit system. The bill creates a mechanism for transit authorities to ban dangerous individuals from transit facilities and services, complementing existing criminal penalties.

Why is this important

Public transit safety is a widespread concern affecting ridership comfort and worker security. This bill provides transit agencies with an administrative tool to protect passengers and staff by removing individuals with demonstrated violent behavior from the system, independent of criminal prosecution outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: The exclusion mechanism's procedural requirements (notice, hearing rights, appeals process) are not detailed in this summary, raising questions about how fairness is ensured and whether accused individuals receive adequate opportunity to challenge bans.
  • Definition scope: "Assault and bodily injury" requires legal interpretation—whether minor scuffles trigger lifetime bans or if proportional penalties apply for first-time versus repeat offenders remains unclear.
  • Disparate impact: Without explicit safeguards, enforcement could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including homeless individuals or those with mental health conditions who frequent transit systems.

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

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