Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 890: Family Law - Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations ("Know Before They Knock" Family Right to Notice Act)

HB 890 requires child welfare and law enforcement agencies to conduct on-site interviews during abuse/neglect investigations with a child’s parent or legal guardian instead of the child’s caretaker. It mandates that agencies provide parents or guardians with oral and written notice at the first contact, explaining key rights - including the right to refuse entry without a court order, the right to consult an attorney before speaking or signing documents, and the right to decline interviews or tests. The bill directly affects parents/guardians of children under investigation and agencies conducting these investigations, ensuring they receive clear information about their legal protections during the process. The notice covers specific rights like not being forced to allow entry, speak without legal advice, or sign documents, while clarifying that statements may be used in court.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects parental rights during law enforcement investigations, ensuring due process and civil rights in child abuse cases, aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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died · Maryland · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 717: Criminal Procedure - Victims of Sexual Assault Offenses - Test Kit Submission Requirements

SB 717 requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault evidence collection kits to forensic labs within 30 days of receipt, including all requested reference standards. This directly affects law enforcement agencies handling sexual assault cases in Maryland. The bill modifies existing law to clarify the 30-day deadline and specifies that kits must include all required reference standards for analysis. It does not change exceptions for non-submission (e.g., when evidence disproves assault or the victim declines consent), which remain unchanged under section (e). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates timely submission of sexual assault evidence kits to prevent backlog and ensure victim justice, advancing procedural efficiency in criminal cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 650: Family Law - Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations ("Know Before They Knock" Family Right to Notice Act)

SB 650, the "Know Before They Knock" Family Right to Notice Act, requires Maryland child protective services and law enforcement to provide parents or legal guardians with specific written and oral notice during initial contact in child abuse or neglect investigations. The notice details key rights, including the right to refuse entry into their home without a court order, the right to consult an attorney before speaking, and the right not to sign documents or allow interviews without legal counsel. This bill directly affects parents or guardians of children involved in investigations, changing the process by mandating this notice at the first point of contact. The law amends Maryland’s Family Law (Section 5-706) to ensure families understand their legal protections during investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects parental rights during CPS investigations, enhancing civil liberties in law enforcement interactions per criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SJ 3: Apology and Acknowledgement of the State's Responsibility in Racial Terror Lynchings

This Senate Joint Resolution formally apologizes for Maryland's historical role in 38 documented racial terror lynchings (1854-1933), including failing to protect Black citizens, colluding with local governments to conceal perpetrators, and not passing anti-lynching laws. It specifically acknowledges the state's complicity in violating constitutional rights and erasing Black communities' cultural heritage. The resolution commits Maryland to taking reparative actions as recommended by the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It directly affects Black Marylanders who endured these harms and their descendants, focusing on acknowledgment rather than new legislation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAcknowledges historical racial terror lynchings and commits to reparative actions, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of addressing systemic racism and protecting civil rights.80% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1073: Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases - Prospective Tenant Criminal History Records Check (Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act)

HB 1073 (Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act) prohibits landlords from requiring or using criminal history checks to screen prospective tenants before making a conditional lease offer. Landlords may only consider specific criminal convictions *after* extending a conditional offer and must allow tenants to provide evidence about inaccuracies or rehabilitation. The bill also bans housing ads that discriminate based on criminal records and requires the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to publish model documents and annual data on criminal history use in leasing. It makes violations subject to penalties under Maryland’s consumer protection laws. The law directly affects residential landlords and prospective tenants in Maryland seeking housing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits criminal history discrimination in housing, aligns with reform efforts to reduce barriers for reentry and protect civil rights per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents criminal record discrimination in tenant screening, protecting tenant rights and promoting fair housing access per bill's prohibitions on pre-offer checks and discriminatory ads.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 1457: Washington County - Juveniles - Truancy Reduction Pilot Program

HB 1457 authorizes the Circuit Administrative Judge of Maryland's Fourth Circuit to establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program specifically in Washington County's juvenile court. The bill directly affects Washington County juveniles who are truant and the juvenile court system there, aiming to address school absenteeism through court-led interventions rather than punitive measures. Key provisions amend existing law to explicitly include Washington County in the list of jurisdictions where such pilot programs may operate, alongside other counties already covered. The program would operate using state budget funds and requires consultation with other circuit administrative judges before implementation, effective October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates non-punitive truancy intervention in juvenile court to prevent youth from entering justice system, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of diversion over punishment.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAddresses school absenteeism through court-led interventions, promoting student attendance and educational access in K-12 settings without punitive measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges Juvenile Justice

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 835: Criminal Procedure - No-Knock Search Warrants

HB 835 repeals Maryland’s authority to issue no-knock search warrants and establishes new procedures for all search warrants. It requires law enforcement to provide written justification for any warrant request, including evidence supporting the need for no notice, details on why less invasive methods weren’t used, and specific information about occupants (including disabilities or pets). Warrants must now be executed between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless exigent circumstances exist, and officers must have completed specialized breach-entry training. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies when obtaining warrants and impacts residents whose properties may be searched. The changes aim to increase transparency and safety during warrant executions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals no-knock warrants, mandates written justification, and restricts execution times to enhance police accountability and protect civil rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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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

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 540: Home Detention Monitoring Agencies - Promotion and Solicitation of Business - Prohibition

SB 540 prohibits private home detention monitoring agencies, their agents, and courthouse or correctional facility employees from soliciting business or promoting services on courthouse or correctional facility grounds. Specifically, it bans approaching individuals to use their services, distributing promotional materials, or otherwise soliciting business in these locations. The law applies directly to agencies providing home detention monitoring services and staff working at courthouses or correctional facilities. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors with fines up to $5,000 and potential license suspensions for licensed individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits solicitation in courthouses to prevent coercion of defendants, aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · Maryland · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 815: Correctional Services – Maryland Correctional Enterprises – Report

SB 815 requires Maryland's Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), working with a Maryland university, to study prison industry programs in Maine, Ohio, Kansas, and California. The bill mandates an interim progress report by December 1, 2026, and a final report with improvement recommendations for Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) by December 1, 2027. These recommendations must focus on enhancing MCE programs to support successful prisoner reentry. The bill expires automatically on December 31, 2027, without needing further legislative action.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates study to enhance prison industry programs for successful prisoner reentry, directly supporting rehabilitation and criminal justice reform through program improvement recommendations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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