Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 906: Criminal Law - Distribution of Heroin or Fentanyl Causing Death or Serious Bodily Injury (Victoria, Scottie, Ashleigh, and Yader's Law)

This bill creates a new criminal offense in Maryland for distributing heroin, fentanyl, or their chemical analogues when such distribution results in death or serious bodily injury to another person. It applies to anyone convicted of distributing these substances that cause harm, regardless of whether the victim used the drugs alone or mixed with other substances, and whether the distribution was direct or involved multiple transfers. The law establishes this as a separate felony carrying up to 20 years of consecutive prison time in addition to any other penalties, and allows prosecutions in either the county where the distribution occurred or where the death or injury happened.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new felony offense for drug distribution causing harm, increasing mandatory sentences and restricting defendant rights90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 23, 2026

HB 765: Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty

HB 765 amends Maryland's criminal code to explicitly prohibit counterfeiting or possessing counterfeit leases and rental agreements with intent to defraud. It adds "lease" (subsection a(7)) and "rental agreement" (a(13)) to the list of items protected under counterfeiting laws, which previously covered items like bonds and checks. Creating or aiding in creating such counterfeits becomes a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $1,000 fine, while knowingly possessing them is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a $1,000 fine. The bill directly affects individuals who fraudulently create or use fake rental documents, such as those attempting to evade rent or commit property fraud.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by making lease counterfeiting a felony, increasing penalties for fraud under criminal law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 736: Criminal Law - Obscene Matter - Visual Representation of Child

SB 736 updates Maryland's criminal law regarding visual representations of children. It raises the age limit from 16 to 18 for material depicting children in sexual contexts or abuse, making possession or viewing such material illegal for children under 18. Penalties increase significantly, with first offenses carrying up to 10 years in prison or $25,000 in fines, and repeat offenses becoming felonies with up to 20 years in prison or $50,000 fines. The bill also allows individuals depicted in such material to file civil lawsuits for damages (including up to $250,000 in punitive damages) without needing a prior criminal conviction, and requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports on enforcement and technology changes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for child exploitation material possession and expands criminalization by raising age limit from 16 to 18, increasing mandatory sentences and broadening criminal scope.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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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 · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1386: Criminal Law - Distribution of Heroin or Fentanyl Causing Death or Serious Bodily Injury (Victoria, Scottie, Ashleigh, and Yader's Law)

HB 1386, "Victoria, Scottie, Ashleigh, and Yader’s Law," makes it a felony for repeat drug distributors to provide heroin, fentanyl, or similar drugs when that distribution causes death or serious injury to another person. It applies only to individuals with prior convictions for distributing controlled substances under Maryland law. The law holds every person who transferred the drugs before the harm occurred liable, mandates a maximum 20-year prison sentence (served consecutively to other sentences), and clarifies that the law covers cases where drugs were mixed with other substances or distributed directly to the victim. This bill directly affects repeat drug distributors whose actions result in fatal or severe injuries, not general users or first-time offenders.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates 20-year consecutive sentences for repeat drug distributors causing death/injury, increasing mandatory penalties under criminal justice without rehabilitation focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1361: Criminal Law - Controlled Dangerous Substances and Criminal Organizations

HB 1361 modifies Maryland’s criminal law regarding controlled substances and criminal organizations. It specifies that conspiring to violate controlled substance laws (including cannabis distribution) carries the same penalty as the underlying crime, and expands venue rules for prosecutions. Specifically, cases involving controlled substances or criminal organizations can now be tried in any county where acts occurred, operations were based, proceeds were held, or the defendant resides. This primarily affects prosecutors, defendants, and conspirators in drug-related and organized crime cases by clarifying where trials can be held. The bill does not change substance prohibitions but adjusts penalties and jurisdiction for related offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeTightens penalties for drug conspiracy (including cannabis) and expands prosecution venues, increasing enforcement rigor without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 2, 2026

HB 692: Criminal Law - Mail and Package Theft (Porch Piracy Act)

HB 692, the "Porch Piracy Act," criminalizes the theft of mail and packages in Maryland. It creates new penalties for stealing mail or packages under specific circumstances, including prohibiting possession of certain items (like "arrow keys," likely a drafting error for key fobs) used in theft. The bill directly affects individuals who steal mail or packages, adding these acts to the state’s criminal code under new sections 3-905 and 3-905.1 of the Criminal Law Article. It also clarifies that both District and Circuit Courts can handle these cases, updating jurisdiction rules for such thefts.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds new criminal penalties for mail/package theft, expanding criminalization without reform elements or reduced sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 82: Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty

SB 82 amends Maryland law to specifically prohibit creating, aiding, or possessing counterfeit leases or rental agreements with fraudulent intent. It directly affects individuals who attempt to defraud landlords or tenants through fake housing documents. The bill adds "lease" and "rental agreement" to the list of forgery targets (alongside checks, deeds, and other documents), making it a felony to create such counterfeits (up to 10 years in prison or $1,000 fine) and a misdemeanor to knowingly possess them (up to 3 years or $1,000 fine). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by adding lease forgery to felony offenses, increasing penalties for housing fraud without reform context.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 171: Criminal Law - Drug Trafficking Crime - Definition

HB 171 modifies Maryland's definition of "drug trafficking crime" to include misdemeanor cannabis possession or distribution violations (under sections 5-602(b)(1) and 5-603(b)), expanding the scope of offenses triggering firearm restrictions. This means individuals charged with certain cannabis-related misdemeanors could now face enhanced penalties if they possess a firearm during the offense. The bill mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence for a first offense and 10 years for repeat offenses, with no possibility of sentence suspension or parole eligibility. It directly affects people convicted of cannabis misdemeanors who possess firearms, as these offenses would now qualify as "drug trafficking crimes" under the law. The changes would take effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands drug trafficking definition to include cannabis misdemeanors, imposing mandatory minimum sentences (5-10 years), increasing penalties and criminalization per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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

HB 544: Vehicle Laws - Cannabis Use in Motor Vehicle With Minor Occupant - Prohibition

HB 544 prohibits smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis in the passenger area of a motor vehicle when a minor (under 18) is present. This applies to all occupants, including drivers and passengers, and creates a new misdemeanor offense for violations. Penalties include up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill, introduced in January 2026, will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new misdemeanor for cannabis use with minors, expanding criminalization and penalties, opposing reform trends by increasing criminalization.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits cannabis use in vehicles with minors to enhance road safety, aligning with transportation safety regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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