SB 105, known as the Real Time for Violent Crime Act or Geri's Law, proposes establishing a system to notify the public in real time when violent crimes occur in their communities. The bill directly affects residents and law enforcement agencies by creating a notification framework that would alert individuals about nearby violent incidents as they happen. Key provisions include setting up a centralized database for crime reporting and mandating that local authorities share this information with the public through various communication channels. The legislation aims to increase community awareness and safety by providing timely information about violent criminal activity.
HB 1320 requires law enforcement officers and district court commissioners to inform victims or their representatives (such as family members of minors, deceased, or disabled victims) at the time of charging about their right to request notifications regarding a defendant’s custody status and court hearings. The bill mandates that requests be processed through Maryland’s electronic court system (MDEC), ensuring victims receive timely updates without needing to proactively seek them later. It amends existing law to make this notification process automatic upon initial contact in criminal cases, replacing previous procedures that allowed for later requests. This change directly affects victims and their representatives in all criminal cases filed in Maryland.
HB 786 (Porch Piracy Act of 2026) prohibits stealing mail or packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or delivery companies as a felony, directly affecting individuals who commit such thefts. It requires courts to order convicted offenders to either return the stolen items or pay restitution for their value, and mandates the Central Collection Unit to report overdue restitution to consumer reporting agencies. The bill also creates new enforcement mechanisms, including automatic referral of overdue restitution over $30 to tax and lottery intercept programs. This law takes effect October 1, 2026, and amends Maryland’s Criminal Law (Section 7-106.1) and Criminal Procedure (Section 11-616) codes.
HB 749 requires prosecutors in Maryland to notify victims (or their designated representatives) about court proceedings in theft cases involving property or services valued at $100 or more. This applies to misdemeanor thefts between $100-$1,500 and all thefts under $100, with victims or representatives defined as family members, guardians, or advocates for minors, deceased, or disabled individuals. Prosecutors must mail specific forms and notifications within 10 days of an indictment, allowing victims to request updates via a state system (MDEC) or written form. The bill also clarifies that filing these requests satisfies legal requirements for victim notification under Maryland law.
HB 787, the "Porch Piracy Act of 2026," makes stealing mail or packages delivered by USPS or commercial carriers a felony. It directly affects individuals who take another person’s mail/package without permission (e.g., porch pirates) and courts handling such cases. Key provisions require offenders to return stolen items or pay restitution, with third or subsequent offenses carrying up to 3 years in prison, $1,500 fines, or both. For repeat offenders, courts may also mandate substance use disorder evaluation and treatment as part of sentencing. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 1162 requires Maryland correctional facilities in specific counties (starting with Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s) to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder. It mandates facilities to conduct assessments, offer FDA-approved MAT options, and provide behavioral health counseling, with special provisions for pregnant individuals. The bill establishes funding mechanisms: the Special Secretary of Overdose Response must annually reimburse counties for MAT costs, and the Opioid Restitution Fund’s authorized uses expand to support this. This applies to local detention centers and the Baltimore Pre-trial Complex by 2023, with implementation schedules for additional counties.
HB 1605 repeals a provision requiring counties to pay 50% of compensation costs for individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. Currently, counties covered half the state's compensation payments under Maryland law; this bill shifts the full financial responsibility to the state. The change directly affects wrongly convicted individuals (who continue to receive full compensation) and county governments (which no longer bear 50% of the costs). The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not alter the compensation calculation or benefits provided to affected individuals.
HB 792 (Porch Piracy Act of 2026) makes stealing mail or packages delivered by USPS or private carriers a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It directly affects individuals who steal mail/packages and the recipients (victims) of such theft. Key provisions require courts to order thieves to either return the stolen item or pay restitution for its value to the victim. Additionally, interest accrued on overdue restitution payments must be split equally - 50% to the victim and 50% to the court. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 757 makes theft of mail or packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or delivery companies a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It directly affects anyone who steals such items and requires prosecutors to notify victims or their representatives about key court proceedings, including DNA evidence status and case updates. The bill specifies that "victim" includes family members or guardians of minors, deceased, or disabled individuals. It streamlines notification through mailed forms or an electronic system while allowing victims to keep their contact information confidential. These changes aim to strengthen penalties for package theft and improve victim communication in criminal cases.
HB 491 prohibits law enforcement agencies from requesting verbal acknowledgments from victims of sexually assaultive behavior that could limit investigations, prevent prosecutions, or restrict victims' legal rights. It specifically bans forms or requests that: relieve the agency of obligations to the victim, define investigation scope, block prosecutions, or limit private legal actions. The bill requires agencies to thoroughly document any victim request to limit or suspend an investigation and follow up per Maryland Police Commission guidelines. Agencies must adopt and submit compliance policies to the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Committee by January 15, 2021, with the law taking effect October 1, 2026.
