HB 1144 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

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

HB 1144 would bar individuals alleged to have committed assault or caused bodily injury to transit staff or passengers from using Maryland's state public transit services or stations for set periods. First offenses trigger a 30-day exclusion, second offenses 180 days, and third offenses or weapon use result in a lifetime ban. State officials can adjust these exclusion periods, and violators face trespassing charges under existing law. The bill applies specifically to incidents occurring on transit vehicles or at transit stations, taking effect October 1, 2025.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

May 2025

Introduced Feb 5, 2025 Signed May 13, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - State Public Transit Service and Stations - Exclusion for Assault and Bodily Injury → Third - State Public Transit Service and Stations - Exclusion for Assault and Bodily Injury · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill was expanded to add more sponsors and include new requirements for the Maryland Transit Administration to create a rider code of conduct and safety program. The substantive changes add protections for transit operators and passengers by establishing clearer rules for banning individuals who commit assault or cause bodily injury on public transit, including provisions for appeals and accommodations for people with disabilities.

Scope change

The bill now includes additional sponsors and expands the scope to require the creation of a rider code of conduct and comprehensive safety program, with specific provisions for appeals processes and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for Maryland Transit Administration to create a rider code of conduct and implement a comprehensive internal safety program by June 1, 2025.

Added requirement for workgroup to consult with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Joint Safety Committee, and operator union representatives.

DEFINITION

Expanded definition of 'public transit operator' to include station agents, conductors, and station attendants employed by contracted entities or private entities providing public transit service.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provision allowing transit facilities to be used by individuals accused of assault if the assault was related to their disability and they are accompanied by a caregiver.

ENFORCEMENT

Added requirement for an appeals process and clarified that bans do not require criminal conviction as a prerequisite.

TIMELINE

Changed effective date from October 1, 2025 to allow for workgroup creation by June 1, 2025, with final report due October 1, 2025.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 17, 2025 · House of Delegates Mar 9, 2025

How they voted

46–0

Passed

Total votes 46

Mar 17, 2025

D Democratic33

33 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 13, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 542

executive

Apr 4, 2025

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted

upper

Apr 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Finance

upper

Mar 17, 2025

Committee

Referred Finance

upper

Mar 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 15, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 15, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Mar 9, 2025

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (136-0-3)

house of delegates

Feb 5, 2025

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

20 primary · 0 co-sponsors