Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 67: Criminal Procedure - Incompetency to Stand Trial Dismissal

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires victim and prosecutor notice before dismissal, protecting victim rights within criminal procedure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 8: Criminal Law - Identity Fraud - Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake Representations

SB 8 prohibits using personal identifying information (like Social Security numbers or bank details) or AI-generated deepfakes - defined as computer images indistinguishable from real people - to cause harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss. It bans maliciously disclosing personal details via online services, assuming another’s identity for fraud (e.g., accessing healthcare or avoiding debt), and using devices that copy payment card data without consent. The law directly affects individuals or entities exploiting personal data or deepfakes for fraudulent gain, harassment, or harm. Victims may pursue civil lawsuits against violators, and the bill updates Maryland’s criminal law to address emerging threats from AI and deepfake technology.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits identity fraud and deepfakes causing harm, strengthening criminal law enforcement against tech-enabled crimes.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits AI deepfakes and misuse of personal data for fraud, directly enhancing data privacy and cybersecurity protections as defined in topic indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy Digital Government

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 30, 2026

HB 332: Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)

HB 332 (the "No Kings Act") creates a new civil rights lawsuit option in Maryland for individuals deprived of constitutional rights by officials acting "under color of law." It allows victims to sue state or local officials (including law enforcement or judicial officers) for damages, injunctions, or declaratory relief when their rights under the U.S. Constitution, Maryland Declaration of Rights, or Maryland Constitution are violated. Key provisions include a 3-year statute of limitations for filing claims, special rules limiting injunctive relief against judicial officers, and protections for officials claiming qualified immunity. The law applies to all pending cases as of its effective date (October 1, 2026).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates civil lawsuit option for constitutional rights violations by law enforcement, enhancing police accountability and aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Law Enforcement Tags Civil Liberties

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 140: Criminal Law - Benefits Exploitation

SB 140 prohibits individuals from knowingly recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining another person specifically to appropriate their government benefits for personal gain or another's benefit. It directly affects vulnerable populations receiving benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, or veterans' aid, and targets those exploiting them through coercion (e.g., threats, financial control) or deception. The law defines "exploitation" as illegally using benefits via undue influence, false promises, or isolation, and bans profiting from such exploitation or aiding violations. Violations are felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both, with each violation treated as a separate offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates criminal offense to protect vulnerable beneficiaries from exploitation of government benefits, advancing criminal justice reform by safeguarding civil rights and preventing fraud against Medicare/Medicaid/SNAP recipients.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects Medicare/Medicaid benefits from exploitation, safeguarding vulnerable populations' access to healthcare coverage and preventing misuse of public health programs.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly protects veterans' aid from exploitation by prohibiting illegal appropriation of government benefits, directly safeguarding veterans' access to benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Medicaid Medicare

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 155: Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Prohibition on Face Coverings

HB 155 requires all Maryland law enforcement agencies to adopt policies prohibiting officers from wearing face coverings (like opaque masks or helmets) during routine duties, with specific exceptions. The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission must create a model policy emphasizing transparency and excluding religious items, medical masks, or safety gear (such as helmets for motorcycle operations). Officers violating this rule face potential fines or loss of civil immunity, but exceptions cover religious garments, medical protection, and occupational safety needs. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits face coverings to enhance officer transparency and accountability in law enforcement, directly supporting criminal justice reform through increased police oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Tags Public Safety

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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

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 162: Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation

SB 162 repeals a deadline that previously prevented certain individuals from filing motions to reduce their prison sentences. It affects adults convicted as minors for crimes committed before their 18th birthday (and sentenced before October 1, 2021) or adults aged 18-25 convicted of non-violent offenses (not life sentences, sex offenders, or murder involving first responders). The bill removes the October 2021 cutoff, allowing eligible individuals to file motions regardless of when they were sentenced. If approved, courts must hold a hearing where the person can present evidence, and victims may submit impact statements without cross-examination. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals deadline blocking sentence reduction motions for eligible non-violent offenders and juvenile offenders, enabling judicial review to reduce sentences - directly advances criminal justice reform by expanding post-sentence review options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 27: Regulated Firearms - Seven-Day Waiting Period - Exceptions

SB 27 adds a 7-day waiting period for most firearm sales, rentals, or transfers in Maryland, requiring a 7-day delay after an application is submitted. It directly exempts law enforcement officers (current or retired in good standing) and individuals with a valid permit to carry a handgun under Maryland law from this waiting period. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that these specific groups can complete transactions immediately without the standard delay. This applies to all regulated firearm transactions governed by Maryland's Public Safety laws, without changing the general waiting period for other buyers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds 7-day waiting period for firearm sales, a public safety measure addressing gun violence within criminal justice policy framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 508: Public Safety - Police Accountability - Investigation Records Relating to Not Administratively Charged, Unfounded, and Exonerated Complaints

HB 508 requires Maryland police departments to remove certain investigation records from an officer’s personnel file 3 years after a determination that the officer was not administratively charged, the complaint was deemed unfounded, or the officer was exonerated. It directly affects police officers whose misconduct complaints were cleared through administrative or trial processes. The key provision mandates this removal for records related to internal affairs investigations, disciplinary decisions, or hearing records, excluding cases where formal charges were filed. This change aims to limit the long-term impact of unsubstantiated or cleared complaints on officers’ records. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes unfounded/exonerated complaint records from officer files after 3 years, reducing stigma for cleared officers and promoting fairer police accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 329: Criminal Law - School Resource Officers - Prohibition on Sexual Activity with Students

HB 329 prohibits school resource officers (SROs) in Maryland from engaging in sexual activity, contact, or intercourse with students enrolled in schools where they are assigned. The bill amends Maryland's Criminal Law (Section 3-314) to explicitly add students at an SRO's assigned school as a protected group under this prohibition, with penalties including up to 3 years in jail or a $3,000 fine for violations. It defines "school resource officer" in Education Law (Section 7-1501) to clarify the scope of the restriction. The law applies directly to law enforcement officers serving in school settings and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits SRO misconduct with students, enhancing police accountability under criminal law. Explicitly protects vulnerable minors, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects students from SRO misconduct, enhancing school safety - a core educational safeguard directly addressing student welfare in schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement School Safety