Hagerstown Community College Police Force - Jurisdiction

HB 478 clarifies the jurisdiction of Hagerstown Community College (HCC) Police Officers in Washington County. It authorizes HCC officers to exercise standard police powers (like making arrests) on college-owned property and, under three specific circumstances, on public roads within Washington County: during a fresh pursuit of a suspect, to manage traffic flow to/from campus, or if ordered by the Governor. The bill also requires HCC's Board of Trustees to adopt police officer standards similar to Maryland State Police requirements and to create operational regulations for the force. Crucially, it explicitly states the HCC Police Force does not replace or limit the authority of Washington County Sheriff's Office or other law enforcement agencies. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.