Criminal Law - Petty Theft - Statute of Limitations

HB 269 modifies Maryland's statute of limitations for petty theft prosecutions. It extends the time prosecutors have to file charges for thefts under $100 from 2 years to 3 years (previously the same 2-year limit applied to all petty theft). For thefts valued at $100-$1,500, the existing 2-year filing window remains unchanged. The bill directly affects prosecutors, victims, and individuals accused of low-value theft, as it provides more time to pursue cases involving property or services worth less than $100. The penalties for conviction (fines, imprisonment, restitution) are not altered by this bill.