Criminal Justice

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

HB 1044: Criminal Procedure - Postconviction Release - Crimes Resulting in Death of Young Victim

HB 1044 prohibits the release of defendants after conviction but before sentencing or final appeals for specific crimes resulting in the death of a child under 14. It applies directly to individuals convicted of either a violent crime (as defined in Maryland’s Criminal Law §14-101) or a violation of child neglect law (§3-602.1) that caused the death of a victim under age 14. The bill amends Maryland’s Criminal Procedure Article to bar courts from granting pre-sentencing or pre-appeal release in these cases. The law would take effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts pre-sentencing release for crimes causing death of child, reducing defendant rights and increasing detention periods.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime

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

HB 873: Manslaughter by Vehicle or Vessel - Increased Penalties (Jamari's Law)

HB 873 increases prison sentences for drivers who cause death through extreme carelessness while operating a vehicle or vessel. For a first offense, the maximum sentence rises from 10 to 20 years; for repeat offenses, it increases from 15 to 30 years. The bill does not change fines, which remain up to $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for repeat offenses. This law affects a very limited number of cases, as only about 30 people were incarcerated for this specific offense in Maryland during fiscal 2025, making its overall impact minimal.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases maximum prison sentences for vehicular manslaughter, reflecting stricter sentencing approach rather than reform or rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for vehicular manslaughter, enhancing road safety regulations under transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

HB 787: Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Packages (Porch Piracy Act of 2026)

HB 787, the "Porch Piracy Act of 2026," makes stealing mail or packages delivered by USPS or commercial carriers a felony. It directly affects individuals who take another person’s mail/package without permission (e.g., porch pirates) and courts handling such cases. Key provisions require offenders to return stolen items or pay restitution, with third or subsequent offenses carrying up to 3 years in prison, $1,500 fines, or both. For repeat offenders, courts may also mandate substance use disorder evaluation and treatment as part of sentencing. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill elevates mail theft to felony with mandatory prison terms/fines, expanding criminalization and increasing sentencing severity, opposing reform-focused justice priorities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Victims' Rights

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 776: Juvenile Law - Child in Need of Supervision - Mandatory Petition (NyKayla Strawder Memorial Act)

HB 776, the NyKayla Strawder Memorial Act, requires Maryland intake officers to automatically file a petition declaring a child under 13 a "child in need of supervision" if the child is alleged to have caused a death through a criminal act (e.g., homicide or manslaughter). This applies specifically to cases where the child's actions would be a felony if committed by an adult. The bill removes the intake officer's discretion to handle such cases informally or dismiss them, mandating formal juvenile court processing. Law enforcement must also forward these complaints directly to the Department of Juvenile Services.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates formal juvenile proceedings for under-13s in felony cases, removing discretion and expanding criminalization of juvenile behavior, opposing reform trends that seek to divert youth from the justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

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

HB 847: Criminal Law - Fraud - Possession of Residential Real Property

HB 847 makes it a misdemeanor to possess or claim rights to residential property you don’t legally own with intent to defraud. Violations carry escalating penalties: up to 90 days in jail or $500 for a first offense, increasing to 1 year/jail or $2,500 for repeat offenses within two years. Property owners can file a sworn affidavit with the sheriff to request law enforcement remove alleged fraudsters, but officers must halt removal if the person presents evidence of lawful possession. The law explicitly states it doesn’t prevent owners from filing standard wrongful detainer lawsuits under existing property law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor for property fraud with escalating penalties, expanding criminalization of non-violent offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 713: Criminal Procedure - Verdict of Not Criminally Responsible - Eligibility for Evaluation for Discharge

SB 713 changes Maryland law for people found not criminally responsible for murder (first or second degree) who are committed to the Maryland Department of Health. It requires these individuals to remain in state care for at least the full maximum sentence length for the murder charge, rather than being eligible for discharge earlier under previous rules. The bill specifies that discharge eligibility is blocked for this period starting from the commitment date. This applies only to future commitments after October 1, 2026, with no retroactive effect.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill extends mandatory commitment period for those found not criminally responsible, restricting early discharge eligibility and increasing state control over individuals in corrections.90% confidence

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

HB 885: Criminal Law - Causing Ingestion of an Abortion-Inducing Drug - Prohibition (Women's Freedom From Coercion Act)

HB 885 prohibits knowingly causing another person to ingest a drug that induces abortion when the person knows the other is pregnant and acts without consent, through fraud or coercion, or by force. It directly affects individuals who attempt to compel another person to take such medication under these conditions. The law creates a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison for violations. The bill, titled the "Women’s Freedom From Coercion Act," takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony for coercion in abortion context, expanding criminalization under criminal justice laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

HB 1061: Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun - Prior Convictions

HB 1061 expands Maryland's enhanced sentencing for illegally carrying or transporting a handgun by including prior convictions from other states, federal courts, or tribal courts. It affects individuals who have previously been convicted of gun-related offenses outside Maryland. The bill amends sentencing tiers so that these out-of-state or federal convictions now count toward mandatory minimum sentences under Section 4-203 of the Criminal Law. This means people with prior gun convictions in other jurisdictions face harsher penalties for violating Maryland's handgun laws.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands mandatory minimum sentences by including out-of-state gun convictions, increasing criminalization and sentencing severity per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing

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died · Maryland · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 676: Criminal Law - Threat of Mass Violence - Penalty

SB 676 upgrades the penalty for threatening mass violence from a misdemeanor to a felony in Maryland. It directly affects individuals who make threats via oral, written, or electronic communication that would place five or more people at substantial risk of death or serious injury if carried out. The bill establishes a felony charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both, and requires convicted individuals to reimburse government agencies for response costs. Key provisions clarify the threat threshold (affecting five or more people) and expand court options for penalties beyond standard fines or imprisonment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeUpgrades threat penalties from misdemeanor to felony, expanding criminalization of mass violence threats and increasing mandatory sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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

HB 788: Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Packages (Porch Piracy Act of 2026)

HB 788, the "Porch Piracy Act of 2026," prohibits stealing mail or packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or delivery companies (like FedEx or Amazon) without the recipient’s permission. It makes this theft a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The bill also requires courts to order convicted offenders to stay away from specific locations, including the crime scene, the victim’s home or workplace, and any other place the offender targeted during the theft. This law directly affects individuals who steal packages and the recipients whose deliveries are stolen, taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes porch piracy with felony penalties (up to 5 years), expanding criminalization and increasing sentences, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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