Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ) — Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Administrative Offices
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-101 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 1. Administrative Offices
§ 13–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is an Administrative Office of the Courts, headed by the State Court Administrator. The Administrator is appointed by and holds office during the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland. The Administrator shall have the compensation provided in the State budget. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall have a seal in the form the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland approves. The courts of the State shall take judicial notice of the seal.
(b)
Subject to the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Administrator may appoint employees necessary to carry out his duties. The persons appointed shall have the compensation provided in the State budget.
(c)
Neither the Administrator nor any employee of the Administrative Office of the Courts may engage directly or indirectly in the practice of law.
(d)
The State Court Administrator, under the supervision and direction of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, shall:
(1)
Examine the state of the dockets of the courts and determine the need for assistance by any court;
(2)
Make recommendations to the Chief Justice relating to assignment of judges to courts in need of assistance and carry out the directions of the Chief Justice as to assignment of judges;
(3)
Collect and compile statistical and other data, make reports of the business transacted by the courts, and transmit this information to the Chief Justice in order that action may be taken in respect to it;
(4)
Prepare and submit budget estimates of State appropriations necessary for maintenance and operation of the judicial system and make recommendations in respect to it;
(5)
Draw any requisition for payment of State money appropriated for maintenance and operation of the judicial system;
(6)
Collect statistical and other data and make reports relating to expenditure of State and local public money for maintenance and operation of the judicial system and the offices connected to it;
(7)
Obtain reports in accordance with law or rules of the Supreme Court of Maryland or the Chief Justice adopts on cases and other judicial business in which action is delayed beyond periods of time specified by law or rules of court, and report the information to the Chief Justice;
(8)
Formulate and submit to the Chief Justice recommendations for improvement of the judicial system;
(9)
Make and publish an annual report of the affairs of the Administrator’s Office;
(10)
Design a citation form for citations to be issued under § 3–8A–33 of this article and citations to be issued to a minor under § 10–119 of the Criminal Law Article; and
(11)
Perform other duties the Chief Justice assigns.
(e)
The Administrative Office of the Courts shall:
(1)
Keep a current list of alcoholism education or treatment programs that the Maryland Department of Health approves for use under § 6–219(c) or § 6–220(e) of the Criminal Procedure Article; and
(2)
Notify promptly the appropriate judges whenever the Maryland Department of Health approves a new alcoholism education or treatment program or withdraws approval for a program.
(f)
Every judge, clerk of court, and any other State or local officer shall comply with any request approved by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland and made by the Administrator or any of his assistants for information and statistical data bearing on the state of the dockets of the courts, the business transacted by them, and the expenditure of public money for maintenance and operation of the judicial system.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-101.1 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 1. Administrative Offices
§ 13–101.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Court Administrator shall assess drug court programs in circuit courts, including juvenile courts, and the District Court to determine how to increase these programs in a manner sufficient to meet each county’s needs.
(b)
(1)
It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Administrative Office of the Courts request an appropriation of $2,000,000 of additional funding in the State budget for fiscal year 2019 for the purpose of awarding grants to expand the scope of drug court programs described under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
The State Court Administrator shall disburse the grants authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection based on the population of the county, to circuit courts, including juvenile courts, and the District Court.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-101.2 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 1. Administrative Offices
§ 13–101.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Artificial intelligence” has the meaning stated in § 3.5–801 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(3)
“Office” means the Administrative Office of the Courts.
(4)
“Program” means the Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program.
(b)
There is an Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program in the Office.
(c)
(1)
The purpose of the Program is to provide expertise in artificial intelligence to the circuit courts and the District Court in the form of expert testimony on the authenticity of electronic evidence that a court determines may have been created or altered using artificial intelligence.
(2)
The Program shall engage college and university students, recent graduates, and faculty and technology professionals dedicated to the research and advancement of artificial intelligence in order to develop expert witness resources for courts to use in cases implicating the use of artificial intelligence.
(3)
The Program shall prioritize civil cases in which one or more parties do not have legal representation or reasonable access to expert testimony.
(d)
In administering the Program, the Office shall:
(1)
Develop a grant application for the Program; and
(2)
Award grants to eligible institutions of higher education.
(e)
(1)
For fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 to the Program.
(2)
Not more than 20% of the money appropriated to the Program may be used for administrative expenses.
(f)
The terms of an agreement between the Office and a grantee may include a clause that requires the Office to hold harmless the grantee against any claim alleging liability or damages relating to the provision of expertise in artificial intelligence as part of the Program, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct, gross negligence, or intentionally tortious conduct.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-102 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 1. Administrative Offices
§ 13–102LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In each county of the seventh judicial circuit, there may be a court administrator. The court administrator shall be appointed by the county administrative judge after consultation with the circuit administrative judge and shall hold office at the pleasure of the county administrative judge. The court administrator shall devote time and attention to the tasks, duties, and responsibilities that the county administrative judge prescribes.
(b)
The court administrator, with the approval of the county administrative judge, shall appoint employees necessary to enable the administrator to perform the duties assigned to the position. Each county government shall provide compensation for the employees, together with expenses for the proper performance of assigned duties of the court administrator and employees appointed under this section.
(c)
The court administrator may not engage directly or indirectly in the practice of law.
Subtitle 2. State Reporter
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-201 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 2. State Reporter
§ 13–201LinkCopy Citation
There is a position of State Reporter. The justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall appoint the State Reporter for a term of four years unless the justices remove him sooner. He is eligible for reappointment.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-202 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 2. State Reporter
§ 13–202LinkCopy Citation
The State Reporter shall have the salary provided in the State budget.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-203 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 2. State Reporter
§ 13–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Reporter, under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Maryland, shall prepare for publication reports of cases decided in the Supreme Court of Maryland and in the Appellate Court of Maryland and designated for publication by the respective courts.
(b)
The clerk of each appellate court shall deliver to the Reporter accurate copies of the opinions designated for publication by the clerk’s court.
(c)
The opinion in each case shall be published within six months of the decision in the case.
(d)
The Reporter, in the usual manner of authors, shall superintend the proofreading, correction, and publication of the reports.
(e)
The Reporter shall have the sum for clerical assistance provided in the State budget.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-204 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 2. State Reporter
§ 13–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Reporter, under the direction and supervision of the Supreme Court of Maryland, shall let the necessary contracts for publishing the Maryland Reports, containing opinions of the Supreme Court of Maryland, and the Maryland Appellate Reports, containing opinions of the Appellate Court of Maryland. The contracts may be awarded on the terms and conditions the State Reporter deems necessary.
(b)
The publisher shall deliver to the State Reporter copies of the Maryland Reports and Maryland Appellate Reports, including advance reports, in the number and with the binding specified in the contracts.
(c)
The State Reporter shall have the Maryland Reports and Maryland Appellate Reports distributed as appropriate and may deliver any excess copies to the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library.
Subtitle 3. Standing Committee on Rules
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-301 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 3. Standing Committee on Rules
§ 13–301LinkCopy Citation
To aid in the exercise of its rulemaking powers, the Supreme Court of Maryland may appoint a standing committee of lawyers, judges, and other persons competent in judicial practice, procedure or administration. A committee member shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for traveling and other expenses incurred on committee business.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-302 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 3. Standing Committee on Rules
§ 13–302LinkCopy Citation
The Supreme Court of Maryland may employ necessary assistants for the committee and fix their salaries.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-303 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 3. Standing Committee on Rules
§ 13–303LinkCopy Citation
The State Court Administrator shall pay the assistants’ salaries as well as the traveling and other expenses of the committee, including printing and other costs from the appropriate budget allocation.
Subtitle 4. Commission on Judicial Disabilities
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-401 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 4. Commission on Judicial Disabilities
§ 13–401LinkCopy Citation
The Commission on Judicial Disabilities established pursuant to Article IV, § 4A of the Maryland Constitution, may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena any witness, compel his attendance, take evidence and require the production of any book, paper, correspondence, memorandum, contract, agreement, other record, or tangible thing which the Commission finds relevant or material to an inquiry or proceeding before it. An oath or affirmation may be administered, and a subpoena issued by, any member of the Commission.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-402 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 4. Commission on Judicial Disabilities
§ 13–402LinkCopy Citation
In case of contumacy by any person, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person by the Commission, the Commission may invoke the aid of the circuit court for the county where the person resides or carries on business or is found. The court may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the Commission, and there to produce records, if so ordered. Failure to obey an order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt. Process in any case may be served wherever the person is found.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-403 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 4. Commission on Judicial Disabilities
§ 13–403LinkCopy Citation
The Commission may grant to any person immunity from prosecution, or from any penalty or forfeiture, for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which that person testifies or produces evidence, documentary or otherwise.
Subtitle 5. Thurgood Marshall State Law Library
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-501 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 5. Thurgood Marshall State Law Library
§ 13–501LinkCopy Citation
The Thurgood Marshall State Law Library shall be part of the Judiciary Department and shall operate under the supervision of a library committee to be appointed as provided in this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-502 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 5. Thurgood Marshall State Law Library
§ 13–502LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The library committee consists of three or more persons appointed to serve without compensation by a majority of the justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(b)
Vacancies in the library committee shall be filled by a majority of the justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-503 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 5. Thurgood Marshall State Law Library
§ 13–503LinkCopy Citation
The library committee may:
(1)
Appoint a Director to be compensated as provided in the State budget;
(2)
Make rules and regulations for the conduct and operation of the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library; and
(3)
Direct the Director to purchase from time to time books, maps, and periodicals for the use of the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-504 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 5. Thurgood Marshall State Law Library
§ 13–504LinkCopy Citation
The Director of the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library may:
(1)
Appoint employees, with the approval of the library committee, to assist in the performance of the duties of the Director. Employees shall be compensated as provided in the budget;
(2)
Not allow any book, map, or documents to be removed from the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, except by the executive and legislative departments, other State agencies located in Annapolis, members of the General Assembly, and justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland and Appellate Court of Maryland, or on interlibrary loan to other libraries;
(3)
Accept excess copies of the Maryland Reports and Maryland Appellate Reports from the State Reporter;
(4)
With the approval of the library committee, sell or exchange, from time to time, books from the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, including the Maryland Reports, Maryland Appellate Reports, codes, maps, and periodicals. The proceeds of the sales, after deducting the expenses, shall be paid over to the State Treasurer within 30 days after receipt. However, a book, map, or periodical may not be sold if its sale would break a set;
(5)
Report in writing to the library committee as often as required by the committee upon the operations of the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library; and
(6)
Perform other duties assigned by law to the Director.
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-601 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
§ 13–601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Administrator” means the State Court Administrator.
(c)
“Fund” means the Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund.
(d)
“Recordable instrument” means:
(1)
A deed, as defined in § 1–101 of the Real Property Article; and
(2)
Any other instrument affecting property that may be recorded under § 3–102 of the Real Property Article.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-602 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
§ 13–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
There is a Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund.
(2)
There is an oversight committee composed of one representative from each of the following:
(i)
The Administrative Office of the Courts;
(ii)
The Maryland State Archives;
(iii)
The Circuit Court Clerks’ Association;
(iv)
The Maryland Land Title Association; and
(v)
The Maryland State Bar Association.
(3)
The Fund shall be managed and supervised by the State Court Administrator, with advice from the oversight committee.
(4)
The State Treasurer shall hold, and the State Comptroller shall account for, the Fund.
(b)
(1)
The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.
(2)
Investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-603 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
§ 13–603LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Fund consists of:
(1)
Surcharges collected under §§ 7–102(b), 7–202(e), and 7–301(c)(4) of this article and § 13–604 of this subtitle; and
(2)
Revenues from copies made on equipment bought through the Fund.
(b)
The Fund is a nonlapsing revolving fund which is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(c)
The Fund shall be used to pay:
(1)
The operating expenses of the land records offices of the clerks of the circuit courts and to repair, replace, improve, modernize, and update office equipment and equipment related services in the land records office of the clerk of the circuit court for each county, as the Administrator considers appropriate, with advice from the oversight committee; and
(2)
For major information technology development projects of the Judiciary Department, as the Administrator considers appropriate.
(d)
Expenditures under this section shall only be made pursuant to an appropriation approved by the General Assembly in the annual State budget prior to the expenditure or obligation of funds.
(e)
The Fund shall be subject to an audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided for in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.
(f)
Disbursements from the Fund shall supplement and may not be a substitute for any funds designated in the State budget for office equipment and services in the land records office of the clerk of the circuit court for each county.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-604 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
§ 13–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administrator shall establish a surcharge of $20 for each type of recordable instrument to be recorded among the land records and the financing statement records.
(2)
For recordable instruments executed on or after July 1, 2011, the surcharge established under this subsection shall be $40 for each type of recordable instrument to be recorded among the land records and the financing statement records.
(b)
The surcharge shall be collected by the office of the clerk of the circuit court for each county.
(c)
The surcharge may not be charged:
(1)
To an entity that is exempt from the payment of fees under § 3–603 of the Real Property Article;
(2)
For the recordation of a restrictive covenant modification executed under § 3–112 of the Real Property Article; or
(3)
For the recordation of an amendment to the common area deeds or other declarations of a homeowners association that deletes a recorded covenant or restriction that restricts ownership based on race, religious belief, or national origin in accordance with § 11B–113.3 of the Real Property Article.
(d)
Receipts from the surcharge shall be placed in the Fund and used by the Administrator for the purposes of the Fund.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-605 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
§ 13–605LinkCopy Citation
The State Treasurer shall report to the Administrator annually:
(1)
The status of the money invested under this subtitle; and
(2)
The interest received from investments for the Fund during the period covered by the report.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 13-606 (2026)
Title 13. Court Supporting Agencies
Subtitle 6. Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund
§ 13–606LinkCopy Citation
The Administrator shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.