Criminal Law - Drug Paraphernalia - Prohibitions and Penalties

HB 260 modifies Maryland's criminal penalties for drug paraphernalia by reducing fines and jail terms for most violations. It lowers maximum penalties for first-time offenses (to $500 fines) and subsequent violations (to 1 year imprisonment or $1,000 fines), removes certain possession prohibitions, and clarifies that items like scales or strainers near paraphernalia may indicate illegal use. The bill directly affects individuals using, possessing, or selling drug paraphernalia (e.g., pipes, syringes) to administer controlled substances. It also increases penalties for selling such items to minors (up to 8 years in prison or $15,000 fine). The changes take effect October 1, 2025.