Pursuant to the U.S. District Court Standing Order 2026-04, effective November 2, 2026, the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland will implement a new policy regarding portable electronic devices. The policy prohibits visitors to the federal courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt from bringing portable electronic devices into the courthouses. Portable electronic devices include laptop computers, cellular phones (including smart phones), electronic tablets, cameras, smart watches, smart glasses, and any other instrument capable of photography, video recording, audio recording, or wireless communications (including ear pieces and fitness trackers).
Persons excepted from this policy may possess portable electronic devices inside the courthouses, provided they present credentials necessary to confirm their status to court security personnel upon request. For further information and to review a list of exceptions, click here to review the Standing Order. Excepted individuals include pro se (self represented) parties appearing for a scheduled hearing, individuals with a special need, accompanying members of an attorney's staff, and members of the media.
To request permission to bring an electronic device into the courthouse, click here to access the Electronic Device Request form. The request must be submitted at least two (2) business days prior to the start date or hearing date.