SB 138
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2020 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 138 (Senator Cassilly, et al.)
Judicial Proceedings Judiciary
Harford County - Service of Process - Detention Center Employees
This bill expands the authority of individuals who have been designated to serve criminal
process by the administrator of the Harford County Detention Center by allowing them to
also serve process within the District Court of Maryland for Harford County and the
county circuit court.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill does not materially affect State operations or finances, as discussed
below.
Local Effect: The bill does not materially affect Harford County operations or finances,
as discussed below.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: An “administrator” may designate employees of the local detention center
to serve a criminal summons, warrant, or charging document. The authority of an
individual designated to serve criminal process under this provision is limited to the service
of process within the local detention center. An “administrator” includes the sheriff,
director, superintendent, warden, or other officer in charge of a local detention center. The
administrator must ensure that an employee designated to serve criminal process has
received adequate training.
State/Local Fiscal Effect: Although authorizing designated individuals to serve criminal
process within the specified courts may facilitate more efficient service in Harford County,
any such impact does not materially affect State or local finances or operations.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 573 (Harford County Delegation) - Judiciary.
Information Source(s): Harford County; Judiciary (Administrative Office of the Courts);
Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 20, 2020
mr/lgc Third Reader - February 6, 2020
Analysis by: Jennifer K. Botts Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 138/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Harford County - Service of Process - Detention Center Employees: 6-310 Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Text - Third - Harford County - Service of Process - Detention Center Employees: 6-310 Courts and Judicial Proceedings