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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland prohibits state and local governments from approving private detention facilities unless expressly zoned
Last action · March 26, 2026: Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsor: Will Smith
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland Senate Bill 984 bars state and local governments from approving real property for private detention or immigration detention facilities unless the specific use is expressly authorized by zoning law. The measure applies retroactively to prior agreements and authorizes the Attorney General to seek civil injunctions and penalties of up to $10,000 per day for violations.
Private operators and local jurisdictions face restrictions on siting detention facilities, while the state gains enforcement powers through the Attorney General to halt unapproved projects and assess daily fines.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
State of Maryland
Prohibited from approving private detention facilities without express zoning and empowered to enforce restrictions through the Attorney General.
Units of local government
Restricted from approving real property for private detention facilities unless the use is expressly included in applicable zoning authority.
Private entities operating detention facilities
Subject to strict zoning requirements, use approvals, civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for violations, and retroactive application of the Act to existing agreements.
Key Facts
- State and local governments are prohibited from approving real property for private detention or immigration detention facilities unless express zoning authority applies.
- General zoning classifications authorizing government, public, or institutional uses do not constitute express authorization for private detention facilities.
- Private entities are barred from operating or occupying property as a detention facility without proper use and occupancy approval consistent with the Act.
- Properties are deemed detention facilities if individuals are held in involuntary custody or if the design includes secure confinement features like perimeter security or locked holding areas.
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- The Attorney General is authorized to bring civil actions and seek temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief.
- Violators are subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each day the violation continues.
- The Act applies retroactively to agreements entered into before the effective date, regardless of permits issued or investments made.
- The measure is enacted as an emergency measure taking effect upon enactment.
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.
Procedural history
9 actions- Mar 26, 2026HouseHearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar 24, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred Government, Labor, and Elections
- Mar 23, 2026SenateFloorThird Reading Passed (31-10)
- Mar 20, 2026SenateFloorSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
- Mar 20, 2026SenateFavorable with Amendments { 813023/1 Adopted
- Mar 20, 2026SenateCommitteeFavorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
Show 3 earlier actions
- Mar 6, 2026SenateHearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar 4, 2026SenateCommitteeRereferred to Judicial Proceedings
- Feb 15, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Senate Rules
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz45Current news / social attention level
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