Criminal Law - Indecent Exposure Within the Presence of a Minor

This bill updates Maryland's criminal laws to specifically address indecent exposure involving minors. It prohibits individuals from committing indecent exposure when they know or should know that a minor, who is at least two years old and more than four years younger than the offender, is present. The law defines indecent exposure to include public masturbation, even if genitalia are not visible. Violations of the general indecent exposure rule are punishable as a misdemeanor with up to three years in prison or a $1,000 fine, while exposing oneself in the presence of a qualifying minor carries a heavier penalty of up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024.