Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has vetoed parts of a widespread police reform package, speaking out against Democratic state lawmakers who have vowed to pass the proposed legislation, regardless of his opposition.
In his veto message, Hogan, a Republican, said the legislation “would undermine the purpose I believe we are part of building transparent, accountable and effective law enforcement agencies” and that it would improve police morale, community relations and trust in the public will undermine.
“They will result in large-scale operations and detention of police, and this will pose a major risk to public safety in our entire country,” he wrote. “Under these circumstances, I have no choice but to maintain my primary responsibility to keep Marylanders safe – especially those living in vulnerable communities most affected by violent crime – and to veto these bills.”
In this April 20, 2020 photo, Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan, speaks at a news conference in Annapolis, Md., With his wife, Yumi Hogan, right. On Friday, Hogan unpacked three proposals contained in police reform legislation. (AP Photo / Brian Witte, file)
The Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed the package this week – the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 – despite opposition from unions and nearly all Republican members, reports The Baltimore Sun.
The proposal comes amid calls for police reform and greater police accountability and transparency. Senate President Bill Ferguson said his chamber would vote Saturday to dominate Hogan’s veto.
“Tomorrow, the Senate will take the necessary steps to ensure that we can have safer communities and fairer policing throughout our country,” he said.
The state legislature must adjourn for a 90-day session after midnight.
The proposals would limit the search for warrants and enable the public to obtain complaints and disciplinary records against officers, which are currently confidential. Under the bill, police could only use 8-hour-7-hour notes, except in emergencies.
It would also set new standards for the use of force and would create new penalties for cases of excessive violence, which would punish up to ten years in prison if an officer is found guilty of causing serious injuries or death.
The last part of the package vetoed by Hogan would repeal the Bill of Rights for Maryland law enforcement, which critics say is a barrier to discipline and accountability of officials.
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Two measures approved by Hogan come into effect without his signature.
One would create a unit in the Attorney General’s office to investigate police deaths and ban law enforcement from buying excess military equipment. The others will enable Baltimore voters to decide whether the state’s largest city should take full control of the police.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.