Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 437: Criminal Law – Theft and Fraud Crimes – Valuation and Forgery of Gift Cards

SB 437 clarifies how gift card value is determined in theft and fraud cases and prohibits tampering with gift cards to defraud others. It defines "closed-loop" (single merchant) and "open-loop" (multi-merchant network) gift cards, setting their value as the highest of: face value, what the defendant claimed, or actual loss incurred. The bill creates a new misdemeanor offense for altering gift cards or packaging with fraudulent intent, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $500 fine. This directly affects individuals committing gift card fraud and businesses handling gift card transactions in Maryland.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor for gift card fraud, expanding criminalization of non-violent offenses without reform intent90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 465: Criminal Procedure - Admission of Out-of-Court Statements - Assault in the Second Degree

SB 465 modifies Maryland's evidence rules to allow certain out-of-court statements in second-degree assault cases when the defendant caused the witness's unavailability through wrongdoing. It permits statements made under oath, in writing with the declarant's signature, or recorded verbatim to be admitted if the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in wrongdoing to make the witness unavailable. Before admitting such a statement, the court must hold a separate hearing outside the jury's presence to verify the defendant's wrongdoing. This bill directly affects defendants charged with second-degree assault and prosecutors seeking to use specific witness statements in trial.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows admission of out-of-court statements when defendant caused witness unavailability, reducing defendant's right to confront witnesses in court proceedings.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 221: Criminal Law - Child Pornography - Prohibitions and Penalties

SB 221 amends Maryland's criminal code to strengthen penalties for possessing or viewing child pornography. It specifically defines "indistinguishable from an actual child" (including realistic computer-generated images) and creates two key thresholds: possessing 100+ images of minors in sexual situations or under-13 images triggers felony charges, increasing potential sentences to 10 years. The law directly affects individuals who possess, view, or distribute such images, including both actual child content and realistic digital depictions. Penalties escalate for repeat offenses or cases involving children under 13, with sentences potentially exceeding 10 years for the most severe violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for child pornography possession, expanding criminalization and mandatory sentences, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 710: Correctional Officers' Retirement System - Reemployment After Retirement - Exemption from Earnings Offset

SB 710 exempts retirees from Maryland's Correctional Officers' Retirement System from having their retirement benefits reduced if they return to work as correctional officers or parole/probation staff in specific state correctional facilities. The bill amends pension law to remove the earnings offset requirement for these retirees when reemployed by the Division of Corrections, Division of Pretrial Detention, or Patuxent Institution for up to four years. This directly affects correctional officers who retired from the system and are rehired in authorized roles within state correctional facilities. The change ensures their retirement payments remain unchanged during this reemployment period, unlike the standard rule that reduces benefits for most other retirees returning to work.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExempts correctional retirees from earnings offset, facilitating workforce retention in corrections, directly supporting system stability and operational continuity.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExempts correctional officer retirees from earnings offset, preserving retirement benefits upon reemployment in specific state facilities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 829: Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

HB 829 requires drivers applying for for-hire or transportation network operator licenses (like Uber/Lyft drivers) in Maryland to complete human trafficking awareness training. The training must cover recognizing trafficking victims, responding appropriately, and connecting victims with resources. Licensed drivers who report suspected trafficking in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. This applies to taxi drivers, for-hire drivers, and transportation network operators seeking new or renewed licenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires human trafficking awareness training for drivers, promotes victim identification/reporting, and protects good-faith reports - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of crime prevention and victim support.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 473: Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

SB 473 requires new applicants for taxicab, for-hire driver, or transportation network operator (e.g., Uber/Lyft) licenses in Maryland to submit proof they completed human trafficking awareness training. This includes either the U.S. Department of Transportation’s "Leaders Against Human Trafficking" program or another nationally recognized training program. The bill also protects licensed drivers from civil or criminal liability when reporting suspected trafficking in good faith. These requirements apply specifically to new license applicants, not current license holders, and are designed to help identify and prevent trafficking through driver training and reporting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires human trafficking training for drivers, aiding crime prevention and reporting in criminal justice context85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates trafficking training for for-hire drivers (Uber/Lyft), enhancing safety standards in transportation services per topic's vehicle regulations focus.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 810: Immigration Enforcement - Expanding Sensitive Locations, Notification, and Guidance (Maryland Values Act of 2026)

SB 810 prohibits public school security personnel (including school resource officers, security employees, and certain off-duty officers providing school coverage) from engaging in federal immigration enforcement or sharing student/employee information for immigration purposes. The bill specifically bans using school staff for Section 287(g) federal immigration investigations and restricts sharing educational or personnel records related to immigration enforcement, except when presented with a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or legal order. School security personnel must immediately contact the county superintendent and legal counsel if shown such legal documents. This law directly affects all Maryland public schools and their security staff, taking effect July 1, 2026, and aligns with existing privacy laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts school security (law enforcement) from immigration enforcement, protecting student civil rights and preventing law enforcement overreach in schools. Aligns with criminal justice reform by limiting misuse of security personnel.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProhibits school staff from aiding immigration enforcement, protecting student privacy and safety in educational settings per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits school staff from aiding federal immigration enforcement and restricts sharing student data for immigration purposes, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 707: Mental Health Law - Danger to the Life or Safety of the Individual or of Others - Definition (Right to Treatment)

SB 707 amends Maryland's Mental Health Law to clarify the definition of "danger to the life or safety of the individual or of others" for involuntary admission and emergency evaluations. It specifies that this danger includes four key scenarios: causing bodily harm, engaging in conduct likely to result in criminal justice involvement, inability to meet basic needs (food, shelter, medical care) creating serious risk, or substantial deterioration in judgment preventing informed treatment decisions. The bill directly affects individuals with mental disorders who may be assessed for involuntary care, as well as healthcare providers making those determinations under the law. This definition replaces the current standard in Maryland Code, Section 10-601, and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies mental health criteria to prevent unnecessary criminal justice involvement, aligning with reform goals of diversion from incarceration over arrest95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies involuntary admission criteria to ensure timely mental health treatment, protecting patient rights and improving access to care under Maryland's Mental Health Law.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 281: Family Law - Child Care Providers - Criminal Background Investigations

HB 281 requires background checks for individuals working with children in specific settings. It mandates licensed child care centers, family child care homes, foster care facilities, schools, camps, and similar organizations to obtain national and state criminal history checks for all employees, volunteers, and certain caregivers - including neighbors or friends providing sudden care due to a primary caretaker's unavailability. Facilities must submit fingerprints and pay a fee to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository. The bill directly affects providers serving minors and expands background check requirements to include new categories like "sudden caregivers" and individuals residing in homes where informal child care occurs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires criminal background checks for child care workers, enhancing public safety and preventing harm through proactive screening in criminal justice systems.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 557: Occupational Licensing and Certification - Criminal History - Predetermination Review Process

HB 557 creates a pre-approval review process for individuals with non-violent criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (e.g., cosmetology, contracting, healthcare roles) in Maryland. It requires state departments (excluding Public Safety and Correctional Services) to provide a binding determination on whether an applicant’s criminal history would block their license *before* they formally apply, based on specific criteria like the nature of the offense, time since conviction, and rehabilitation evidence. The bill prohibits denial solely for past non-violent convictions unless a direct relationship to the job or safety risk exists, and establishes a $100 fee (waivable for low-income applicants) for the review. It applies to most occupational licenses but excludes sex offense convictions and automatically allows licenses after 7 years without new offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates pre-approval for occupational licenses post-non-violent conviction, reducing reentry barriers and promoting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves licensing barriers for non-violent offenders, expanding employment access and protecting workers' rights to pursue licensed careers in healthcare, cosmetology, etc.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice