County Police Accountability Boards - Investigation of Complaints of Police Misconduct

HB 836 authorizes county governments in Maryland to grant police accountability boards investigatory and subpoena powers through local law. It directly affects county police accountability boards and local governing bodies, allowing boards to investigate complaints of police misconduct simultaneously with law enforcement agencies. The key provision permits concurrent investigations - meaning accountability boards can probe the same complaint while police departments conduct their own review. This change modifies Maryland’s Annotated Code (Section 3-102(e)) and takes effect October 1, 2025. The bill does not alter existing law enforcement investigation protocols but expands accountability board authority.