Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

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.

SB 67 changes the time limits for dismissing criminal charges against defendants found incompetent to stand trial. For serious crimes like rape or first-degree assault, charges must be dismissed after 10 years (or the maximum sentence for the crime); for other felonies or violent crimes, after 5 years; and for other offenses, after 3 years. The bill requires courts to give the State’s Attorney and victims (or their representatives) advance notice and a chance to argue against dismissal before proceeding. It also allows prosecutors to request more time for "extraordinary cause" and mandates notifying victims and the state crime database if charges are dismissed. These changes directly affect defendants, prosecutors, and crime victims in Maryland court cases.