Criminal Justice (Courts)

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

Track

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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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

passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 984: Correctional Services - Private Detention Facilities - Zoning Requirement

SB 984 prohibits Maryland state and local governments from approving private companies to operate immigration detention facilities in buildings unless the facility's use is explicitly permitted by local zoning laws. It defines an immigration detention facility as any building housing individuals in involuntary custody, including those with perimeter security, locked areas, or controlled access points. Private operators violating this law face civil penalties up to $10,000 per day, and the Attorney General can enforce the law through court action. The bill also applies retroactively to existing agreements for facilities intended for immigration detention, regardless of prior permits or construction investments.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts private immigration detention facilities via zoning, aligning with correctional reform by limiting unchecked facility expansion and protecting civil rights through oversight.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits state/local approval of private immigration detention facilities without zoning compliance, restricting expansion of such facilities and limiting state involvement in immigration enforcement infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 531: Criminal Procedure - Victims of Sexually Assaultive Behavior - Request for Verbal Acknowledgement (Verbal Waiver Transparency Act)

SB 531 prohibits law enforcement agencies from requesting verbal acknowledgments from victims of sexually assaultive behavior that would limit investigations, prevent prosecutions, or restrict the victim's legal rights. The bill requires agencies to document any victim request to limit or pause an investigation and follow recommended practices for follow-up. Victims who believe the law was violated can seek court orders to address the issue. This law directly affects sexual assault victims interacting with police and mandates new policies for all Maryland law enforcement agencies by January 2021. It takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prohibits law enforcement from seeking verbal waivers that limit investigations/prosecutions of sexual assault, requiring documentation and court remedies for violations. Protects victims' civil rights and enhances law enforcement accountabil...95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 295: Civil Actions - Immunity - Disclosure of Allegations of Sexually Assaultive Behavior (Stop Silencing Survivors Act)

SB 295, the "Stop Silencing Survivors Act," protects individuals who in good faith disclose information about allegations of sexually assaultive behavior from liability. It establishes that such disclosures - like reporting misconduct to employers or authorities - cannot be used against the discloser in court, unless proven to be false or made with malicious intent. The bill also requires courts to award attorney fees to those successfully defending against claims that they disclosed information without good faith. It defines "sexually assaultive behavior" to include specific criminal offenses under Maryland law, such as sexual crimes, abuse of minors, or violations of federal law. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects survivors' right to report sexual assault without liability, promoting criminal justice reform by encouraging disclosure and reducing barriers to justice in reporting crimes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 464: Commission to Examine the Expungement Laws of Maryland

SB 464 establishes a 10-member Commission to review Maryland's current expungement laws and processes, focusing on improving efficiency and equity. The Commission includes representatives from state government (like the Public Defender and State Court Administrator), legal advocates, workforce organizations, crime victims' groups, and two individuals with criminal records currently ineligible for expungement. It must examine existing laws, compare them with other states, and propose a streamlined, broader-expungement system by December 31, 2027. The bill expires automatically on June 30, 2028, without requiring further legislative action. This process directly affects how Maryland might reform its criminal record clearance system for residents.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes commission to review expungement laws for efficiency/equity, directly advancing criminal justice reform by improving record clearance access and reducing barriers to reintegration.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 351: Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)

HB 351 allows Maryland's Attorney General or State's Attorney to direct the Maryland State Police to collect and securely retain specific digital data (like license plates, cell tower records, GPS, or facial recognition data) about federal agents when a complaint alleges misconduct such as excessive force or civil rights violations. It directly affects complainants who file such misconduct claims and law enforcement agencies handling those cases. The bill requires that complainants can only access this digital data through a court order in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights case or a related criminal proceeding. It does not authorize general surveillance but creates a targeted process for gathering evidence in verified misconduct complaints against federal agents. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by enabling data collection for misconduct investigations against federal agents, aligning with civil rights protection and reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Policing Tags Civil Liberties

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 22, 2026

SB 296: Juveniles - Detention and Confinement - Limitations on Juvenile Contact With Incarcerated Adults

This bill prohibits detaining juveniles (under 18) in any facility where they could see, hear, or otherwise have contact with incarcerated adults. It applies to all juveniles awaiting trial, convicted, or held in custody for offenses tried in adult court. The law requires juveniles to be held in secure juvenile facilities unless temporarily held for up to 6 hours in an adult facility - while separated by sight/sound - pending transfer to a juvenile facility. Exceptions for capacity issues or safety risks remain but must be documented by the court.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents juveniles from contact with incarcerated adults in detention, aligning with criminal justice reform by reducing trauma and promoting rehabilitation in appropriate facilities.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 187: Criminal Procedure - Expungement - No Finding and Case Terminated Without Finding

HB 187 expands eligibility for expunging criminal records in Maryland by allowing expungement for cases terminated without a conviction. Specifically, it adds a new provision (Section 10-110(j)) permitting expungement when a case was resolved by the court with a "no finding" designation or terminated without a finding. This directly affects individuals whose cases were dismissed, dropped, or otherwise concluded without a guilty verdict or conviction. The bill modifies existing expungement rules (previously limited to certain convictions) to include these non-conviction dispositions, applying to records maintained by state or local government. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands expungement eligibility for non-convictions, reducing barriers to reentry and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts