April 7th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland House of Delegates on Tuesday approved an expansion of public access to records relating to police misconduct cases and a limitation on the use of no-knock police warrants.

The 88-46 vote to pass the measure that originated in the Senate marked another step in a larger effort, as the two chambers are working on finalizing an extensive package of police reform in the last week of the legislative session. The Senate would still have to sign off on some changes made by the House.

Lawmakers are weighing a repeal of job protections for police long criticized for impeding accountability in misconduct cases known as the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights. Lawmakers also are considering legislation to create a statewide use-of-force standard that bans chokeholds and a duty-to-intervene measure requiring an officer to make a reasonable effort to prevent use of excessive force.