D. MD.Litigation
DOJ sues Maryland and two counties over law enforcement mask ban and ID rules
The Justice Department sued Maryland, its attorney general, the state police training commission and Prince George's and Montgomery counties on October 1, seeking to invalidate state and county laws that bar law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks and require them to show identification. The complaint alleges Maryland's SB 1 and the two county ordinances directly regulate federal officers and violate the Supremacy Clause and intergovernmental immunity.
Filing (U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland) → · U.S. Department of Justice, The Daily Record
Key points
- The complaint challenges Maryland Senate Bill 1, Prince George's County Code section 18-124, and Montgomery County Code section 35-13E.U.S. District Court for the District of MarylandThe Daily Record
- The state law took effect October 1, 2026, and carries a fine of up to $1,500 on conviction; the county laws were already in effect.U.S. District Court for the District of MarylandThe Daily Record
- The lawsuit was assigned to U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin in the District of Maryland.U.S. District Court for the District of MarylandThe Daily Record
- The Justice Department said Maryland is the eighth state it has sued over state regulation of federal agents.U.S. Department of JusticeThe Daily Record
- The department says the laws endanger federal officers who face harassment, doxxing and violence.U.S. District Court for the District of MarylandU.S. Department of Justice
Sources3 articles across 3 outlets
The Daily Record
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland