Criminal Justice (Courts)

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 294: Criminal Procedure – Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects victim privacy in court proceedings, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim safety and rights protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Victims' Rights

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 449: Juvenile Justice Restoration Act

HB 449, the Juvenile Justice Restoration Act, requires law enforcement officers to consult with an attorney before questioning a child (under 18) in custody. It mandates that officers first notify the child’s parent/guardian and ensure the child speaks with an attorney - either one retained by the parent or provided by the Office of the Public Defender - before any interrogation. Exceptions only apply if an officer believes immediate public safety is threatened (with limited questions) or if a parent consents to skip the attorney consultation. The bill also requires detailed records of notifications and attorney contact, and creates a strong presumption that any statement obtained without compliance is inadmissible in court. The Office of the Public Defender must develop policies to guide attorneys on these new requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires attorney consultation before questioning minors, protecting juvenile rights and aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like enhanced due process.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 171: Mail Theft

SB 171 proposes to update Maryland's mail theft laws by adding new prohibitions against stealing mail or packages under specific circumstances and banning possession of "arrow keys" in certain contexts. The bill creates two new sections (3-905 and 3-905.1) in the Criminal Law Article, explicitly making mail theft a criminal offense and clarifying jurisdiction for prosecuting such cases. It also revises court jurisdiction rules to ensure District Courts can handle mail theft violations, adding them to the list of cases under the court's authority. This legislation directly affects individuals who steal mail or packages, as well as law enforcement and courts handling these offenses. The bill is currently in the pre-filed stage, with no votes recorded yet.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offenses for mail theft and clarifies prosecution jurisdiction, strengthening enforcement within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 389: Juveniles - Detention and Confinement - Limitations on Juvenile Contact With Incarcerated Adults

HB 389 prohibits holding juveniles (under 18) who are arrested, convicted, or awaiting trial for criminal charges in any facility where they might have contact with, see, or hear adults in jail or prison. It bans holding juveniles in adult correctional facilities except for up to six hours during processing if they are kept separated by sight and sound from adults and then transferred to a juvenile facility. The bill requires courts to place juveniles in secure juvenile facilities unless no space is available, the juvenile is released pretrial, or the court determines juvenile facility detention would pose a risk of harm. This law directly affects young people in Maryland's justice system who face criminal charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits juvenile contact with adult inmates in correctional facilities, aligning with criminal justice reform to protect youth and reduce recidivism through proper juvenile detention practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Juvenile Justice

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

HB 409: Juvenile Court - Jurisdiction (Youth Charging Reform Act)

HB 409, the Youth Charging Reform Act, expands juvenile court jurisdiction by removing automatic transfers to adult court for certain serious offenses committed by youth aged 16 and older. It directly affects Maryland youth aged 16+ accused of specific crimes like robbery, murder, carjacking, or firearm-related offenses - previously excluded from juvenile court. The bill repeals sections that barred juvenile court from handling these cases, meaning such offenses will now typically be processed in juvenile court unless a judge orders transfer. This change modifies jurisdiction rules in Maryland’s Courts, Criminal Procedure, and Education codes, shifting how these cases are handled without altering sentencing outcomes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands juvenile court jurisdiction to avoid automatic adult court transfers for youth, promoting rehabilitation-focused sentencing over punitive measures - core criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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

HB 132: Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Intercepted Communications - Admissibility of Evidence

This bill changes Maryland's rules for using wiretapped or electronically intercepted communications as evidence in criminal trials. It allows such evidence in court if the crime involved a victim, the evidence is material to the case, the interception wasn't conducted by Maryland law enforcement, it's more probative than other available evidence, and admitting it serves justice. Prosecutors must also provide the defense with at least 14 days' notice before using this evidence. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSets higher standards for admissibility of intercepted evidence, requiring defense notice and ensuring it serves justice, protecting defendant rights in criminal trials.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill expands admissibility of wiretapped communications in court, making it easier to use privacy-intrusive evidence without strict privacy safeguards, weakening data privacy protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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

HB 169: Criminal Procedure - Expungement of Records - Good Cause

HB 169 allows individuals with past misdemeanor or felony convictions to petition courts for expungement (removal of court records) after specific waiting periods: 5 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies following completion of sentences, parole, or probation. Courts may grant expungement if a person demonstrates "good cause," considering factors like the crime's nature, rehabilitation success, public safety risk, and the impact of the conviction on employment or housing. If denied, the decision cannot be appealed, and the person must wait 3 years before reapplying for the same conviction. This bill directly affects Maryland residents seeking to clear past criminal records to improve access to jobs, housing, and other opportunities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables expungement of records for past convictions, promoting rehabilitation and reducing barriers to employment/housing - core criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly lists 'impact on housing' as a factor for expungement, removing criminal record barriers to housing access for individuals with past convictions.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly considers 'impact of conviction on employment' as a factor for expungement, directly addressing employment barriers for individuals with criminal records.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 44: State Retirement and Pension System - Forfeiture of Benefits

SB 44 would require forfeiture of pension benefits for public employees convicted of specific crimes committed while performing job duties. It applies to members of systems like police, teachers, correctional officers, and judges' pensions. The bill establishes procedures for courts to review requests for partial benefit payments within one year of conviction, considering factors like crime severity and financial need. It also protects existing court orders for spousal support or child custody from being altered by the forfeiture.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reduces government spending by forfeiting pension benefits for convicted public employees, promoting fiscal responsibility in state budget management.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates pension forfeiture for law enforcement/correctional employees convicted of crimes during duty, enhancing accountability within criminal justice system.95% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill mandates forfeiture of pension benefits for public employees convicted of job-related crimes, restricting a key employment benefit.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Pensions Courts Policing

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 5, 2026

HB 477: Criminal Procedure - Admission of Out-of-Court Statements - Assault in the Second Degree

HB 477 modifies Maryland's evidence rules to allow certain out-of-court statements in assault in the second degree cases where the defendant caused the witness's unavailability. It permits such statements as evidence if the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in wrongdoing to make the witness unavailable. The bill requires statements to have been given under oath, written and signed, or recorded verbatim, and mandates early notice to the defense about the statement's use. This directly affects criminal trials for assault in the second degree by expanding admissible evidence while adding procedural safeguards. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeModifies evidence rules to require preponderance standard for witness unavailability and mandates early defense notice, protecting defendant rights in criminal procedure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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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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