Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 294: Criminal Procedure – Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking

SB 294 requires courts and parties in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases to redact identifying information (like names, addresses, or details that could reveal identity) from court filings and records involving victims of sexual assault or stalking. It directly affects these victims by preventing public disclosure of their personal details in court documents, unless a court finds "good cause" to allow it. The bill mandates that courts automatically redact such information upon request from a victim of sexual assault or stalking, and prohibits disclosure to nonparties without redaction. This applies to all court filings, including charging documents, and covers both current and existing case records. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects victim privacy in court proceedings, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim safety and rights protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 81: Criminal Law - School Resource Officers - Prohibition on Sexual Activity with Students

SB 81 prohibits law enforcement officers assigned as school resource officers (SROs) from engaging in sexual contact, vaginal intercourse, or sexual acts with students enrolled at their assigned school. It amends Maryland's criminal law (Section 3-314(e)(iv)) to explicitly include SROs in the ban, defining "school resource officer" under the Education Article (Section 7-1501(j)). Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 3 years in jail or a $3,000 fine. The law directly affects SROs in Maryland public schools, targeting conduct specific to their role as law enforcement officers within educational settings. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits SRO misconduct, enhancing police accountability and protecting students - directly strengthens oversight of law enforcement conduct within schools.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProhibits SROs from sexual misconduct with students, enhancing school safety and student protection within K-12 education.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 320: Criminal Procedure - Expungement - No Finding and Case Terminated Without Finding

This bill expands Maryland's expungement options by allowing individuals to have certain criminal records sealed if their case ended without a conviction. Specifically, it adds a new provision (Section 10-110(j)) permitting expungement for cases disposed of with a "no finding" designation or formally terminated without a finding by the court. This directly affects people who completed diversion programs or had cases dismissed without a formal conviction, such as in pretrial diversion or dismissals without judgment. The change modifies existing expungement law to include these non-conviction dispositions, making it easier for affected individuals to clear their records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands expungement for non-conviction cases (e.g., dismissed/diversion), reducing barriers to reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing recidivism.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 108: Division of Correction - Volunteer Services Program

HB 108 establishes the Release Preparation Program within Maryland's Division of Correction to help formerly incarcerated individuals prepare for release. The program allows these individuals to schedule visits to state correctional facilities for support, with schedules requiring written notification to the Division of Correction and public availability. It amends the Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement Fund to specifically cover costs for this program, adding it to the fund's authorized uses. The bill requires the Division of Correction to approve protocols for the program and prohibits denying scheduled visits unless they interfere with facility operations. The program will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes Release Preparation Program to aid reentry, reducing recidivism through structured support and funding via Cannabis Fund, aligning with reform indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 61: Division of Correction - Volunteer Services Program

SB 61 establishes a Release Preparation Program within Maryland's Division of Correction to help formerly incarcerated individuals prepare for reentry. The program allows these individuals to access state correctional facilities to receive assistance with release planning. It amends the Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement Fund to include funding for this program, directing the fund to cover related costs. The bill requires participants to provide written schedules for facility visits, and prohibits denial of access unless it disrupts facility operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes reentry program for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through structured release planning and funding.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 360: Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against

SB 360 modifies Maryland's criminal law to specifically protect emergency response animals used by law enforcement. It prohibits intentionally harassing, interfering with, injuring, or killing these animals - such as police dogs, law enforcement horses, or search/rescue dogs - while they are performing official duties. Violations are classified as misdemeanors with penalties including fines up to $15,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, depending on the severity. The law directly affects individuals who target these animals during operations and law enforcement agencies that rely on them. It does not change general animal cruelty laws but adds targeted protections for animals serving in emergency response roles.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects law enforcement animals during official duties, strengthening operational effectiveness within criminal justice.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 346: Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)

SB 346, titled "Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)," creates a new legal pathway in Maryland for individuals to sue government officials who violate constitutional rights under "color of law." The bill allows plaintiffs to seek damages, injunctions, and attorney fees for deprivations of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution, Maryland Declaration of Rights, or Maryland Constitution. Key provisions include a 3-year statute of limitations for filing claims, protections for judicial officers (limiting injunctive relief unless a declaratory judgment is violated), and restrictions on awarding fees against judges acting within their authority. This law directly affects government officials and citizens who experience constitutional violations during official actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables lawsuits against officials for constitutional violations, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights - key criminal justice reform elements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 305: Qualifying Nonprofit Organizations - Incarcerated Individual Training and Reentry Grant Fund - Extension

SB 305 extends funding for nonprofit organizations providing automotive repair training and reentry services to formerly incarcerated individuals in Maryland. It extends the grant period from fiscal years 2026-2028 to 2026-2029, authorizing $1 million annually for qualifying nonprofits that train at least 50 individuals yearly in auto repair and achieve a 50% job placement rate for participants. The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention administers the grants, requiring nonprofits to submit annual reports on fund usage, participant numbers, and employment outcomes. This bill directly affects nonprofits meeting specific service criteria and supports employment pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $1 million annually for nonprofit reentry programs, directly funding a social service through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends funding for job training/reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, directly reducing recidivism through employment opportunities and rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExtends funding for job training and placement programs targeting formerly incarcerated individuals, directly advancing employment outcomes and workforce reentry through mandated job placement rates.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 187: Criminal Procedure - Expungement - No Finding and Case Terminated Without Finding

HB 187 expands eligibility for expunging criminal records in Maryland by allowing expungement for cases terminated without a conviction. Specifically, it adds a new provision (Section 10-110(j)) permitting expungement when a case was resolved by the court with a "no finding" designation or terminated without a finding. This directly affects individuals whose cases were dismissed, dropped, or otherwise concluded without a guilty verdict or conviction. The bill modifies existing expungement rules (previously limited to certain convictions) to include these non-conviction dispositions, applying to records maintained by state or local government. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands expungement eligibility for non-convictions, reducing barriers to reentry and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 467: Correctional Services - Maryland Parole Commission and Erroneously Convicted Individuals - Improvements in Transparency and Equity

HB 467 requires the Maryland Parole Commission to improve transparency and equity in parole decisions. It mandates annual reports broken down by race showing parole grants, denials (with reasons), administrative releases, hearing purposes, and parole-eligible individuals not granted parole. The bill also prohibits permanent parole denial, requires the Commission to document hearing reasoning publicly, and makes all hearing recordings publicly available after redaction for privacy, with specific retention rules. These changes directly affect incarcerated individuals in Maryland's correctional system by increasing accountability in parole proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates parole transparency/equity reporting, prohibits permanent denial, requires public hearing documentation - core criminal justice reform measures to reduce bias and increase accountability.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice