Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 1053: Criminal Law - Second Degree Assault - Sports Official

HB 1053 makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally cause physical injury to a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or judge) during a sporting event when the attacker knows the person's role. The bill amends Maryland’s assault law to specifically include these officials under second-degree assault protections, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a $2,500 fine. It also expands warrantless arrest authority for police to immediately detain individuals who commit this specific assault, as it now qualifies under the list of crimes allowing such arrests. This directly affects athletes, coaches, or spectators who assault officials at sports events.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens legal protections for sports officials via specific assault penalties, advancing accountability within criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Judges Policing

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

HB 792: Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Packages (Porch Piracy Act of 2026)

HB 792 (Porch Piracy Act of 2026) makes stealing mail or packages delivered by USPS or private carriers a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It directly affects individuals who steal mail/packages and the recipients (victims) of such theft. Key provisions require courts to order thieves to either return the stolen item or pay restitution for its value to the victim. Additionally, interest accrued on overdue restitution payments must be split equally - 50% to the victim and 50% to the court. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies porch piracy as felony with 5-year max, mandates restitution - increases penalties without reform elements95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 620: Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun - Prior Convictions

SB 620 modifies Maryland's sentencing for handgun violations by expanding the list of prior convictions that trigger enhanced penalties. It adds certain convictions from other states, federal courts, or tribal courts to the list that count toward stricter sentencing under Section 4-203(c) of the Criminal Law. Specifically, if a person has prior convictions (including out-of-state or federal offenses that would violate Maryland's handgun laws), they face longer mandatory minimum sentences for subsequent violations. This directly affects individuals with prior criminal records who are convicted of carrying, wearing, or transporting a handgun in Maryland.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands prior conviction list for enhanced handgun sentencing, increasing mandatory minimums under Section 4-203(c).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing

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

HB 759: Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation

HB 759 removes a time limit preventing certain individuals from filing motions to reduce their prison sentences. It directly affects adults convicted as adults for crimes committed when they were minors (before October 1, 2021) after serving 20+ years, or adults aged 18-24 convicted of non-violent offenses (excluding sex offenders or specific murders) after 20+ years in prison. The bill repeals a prior restriction, allowing these individuals to submit new motions to reduce their sentences, requiring court hearings where they may present evidence and victims may submit impact statements. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals time limit for sentence reduction motions for eligible offenders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing lengthy sentences for non-violent cases after long incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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

HB 757: Theft of Mail and Packages and Victim Notification

HB 757 makes theft of mail or packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or delivery companies a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It directly affects anyone who steals such items and requires prosecutors to notify victims or their representatives about key court proceedings, including DNA evidence status and case updates. The bill specifies that "victim" includes family members or guardians of minors, deceased, or disabled individuals. It streamlines notification through mailed forms or an electronic system while allowing victims to keep their contact information confidential. These changes aim to strengthen penalties for package theft and improve victim communication in criminal cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for theft (felony, 5-year sentence), expanding criminalization and aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' oppose indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Victims' Rights

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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 · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 863: Gun Theft Felony Act of 2026

HB 863 reclassifies the theft of a firearm as a felony under Maryland law, previously treated as a lower-level offense. It establishes felony penalties based on the firearm's value: up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine for theft valued at $1,500-$25,000, up to 10 years for $25,000-$100,000, and up to 20 years for $100,000 or more. Convicted individuals must also return the firearm or pay its value to the owner. The bill directly affects anyone who steals a firearm or knowingly possesses stolen firearms, raising penalties for these offenses under Section 7-104 of Maryland’s Criminal Law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeReclassifies firearm theft as felony with mandatory prison terms, expanding criminalization and increasing sentencing severity without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms

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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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