MSBA continues to connect with the Maryland Judiciary and local jurisdictions to bring important information and updates to the legal profession.

In response to the recently modified CDC protocols for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has issued five (5) amended administrative orders regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency and court operations across the state. These orders become effective June 1, 2021. The orders address a range of COVID-19 related issues:

• All personnel, including judges, and court visitors over the age of two who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face masks in Maryland state courthouses and judicial branch facilities, unless the administrative judge or state court administrator determines that certain large group settings may require them.
• Furthermore, as some jurisdictions may require certain additional health measures, the orders allow the administrative judges of the circuit court and district court to determine together whether to maintain equivalent restrictions in their respective courthouses.
• Those who have not been vaccinated must continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing. However, if they are participating as a litigant or witness in a court proceeding, they may be required by the presiding judge to remove their face mask and use a provided face shield. People who are in social “pods” or cohorts may sit/stand next to one another, but if unvaccinated, must continue to maintain social distance from others.
• As before the pandemic, the filing date for any court filing by mail, effective June 1, 2021, is the date the filing was stamped.

View the amended administrative orders below:

1. Second Amended Administrative Order Expanding Statewide Judiciary Operations In Light of the COVID-19 Emergency  RESCINDS: Feb. 16, 2021 Amended Administrative Order Expanding Statewide Judiciary Operations Due to the COVID-19 Emergency.
2. Eighth Administrative Order Clarifying COVID-19 Health Measures in Courthouses and Judicial Branch Facilities  RESCINDS: Feb. 16, 2021, Seventh Amended order on same subject.
3. Third Amended Administrative Order on Lifting the Statewide Suspension of Jury Trials and Maintaining Grand Juries  RESCINDS: Feb. 16, 2021, Seventh Amended Order Clarifying the Statewide Suspension of Jury Trials and Maintaining Grand Juries.
4. Ninth Revised Administrative Order on the Emergency Tolling or Suspension of Statutes of Limitations and Statutory and Rules Deadlines Related to the Initiation of Matters and Certain Statutory and Rules Deadlines in Pending Matters  RESCINDS: Feb. 16, 2021, Eighth Revised Administrative order on same subject.
5. Ninth Amended Administrative Order on the Suspension During the COVID-19 Emergency of Foreclosures, Evictions, and Other Ejectments Involving Residences  RESCINDS: Feb. 16, 2021, Eighth Amended Administrative order on same subject.