Del. Charlotte Crutchfield

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill redefines consent in sexual crime laws to mean a clear and voluntary agreement, explicitly stating that past relationships, clothing choices, or submission due to fear do not constitute consent. It removes the requirement for force or threats to prove a crime, instead making the lack of consent a standalone element that can be shown through words or actions. The law also clarifies that consent can be withdrawn at any time and cannot be documented in writing. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Maryland Judiciary report annual statistics on sexual crime charges and convictions, broken down by county and demographic factors, until 2029.

Maddy summaryThe Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act expands Maryland's apprenticeship program to include a broader range of public safety agencies, such as correctional facilities, in addition to traditional law enforcement departments. This bill increases the maximum grant amount for agencies participating in the program from $2,000 to $5,000 per apprentice and adjusts eligibility requirements to ensure apprentices live in areas with at least 10% poverty. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission develop mental health wellness policies for law enforcement and correctional facilities while establishing a workgroup to study ways to increase employment in these sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes requirements for Maryland county school boards to ensure blind and visually impaired students receive textbooks in specialized formats like braille, audio, or digital text. It mandates that textbook publishers provide electronic files to a state center for conversion into these accessible formats and requires the state to cover costs when specialized versions are unavailable. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that students with some remaining vision cannot be denied braille instruction solely based on their vision level, while also setting new standards for teachers of these students.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maryland's mental health laws to improve how individuals in crisis are evaluated and treated. It requires peace officers to transport people needing emergency evaluation to a nearby facility rather than strictly the nearest one, and it allows psychiatric nurse practitioners to conduct these evaluations alongside physicians. The legislation also mandates that every county establish an assisted outpatient treatment program, which can legally require individuals with severe mental illness to follow a treatment plan if they refuse voluntary care. Additionally, the bill ensures that public defenders provide legal representation during these proceedings and permits electronic submission of necessary petitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention within the Maryland Department of Health to address gun violence and misuse through a public health approach. The center will be led by an executive director who coordinates efforts with federal, state, and local agencies while actively seeking input from communities disproportionately affected by firearm violence and public health experts. Key responsibilities include developing state plans for violence reduction, issuing guidance on evidence-based strategies, facilitating data sharing, and conducting public awareness campaigns. Funding for the center will be included in the state budget starting in fiscal year 2026, and the law takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law, known as the Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024, allows the state and private individuals to sue firearm companies for creating public nuisances if they knowingly sell or market products that cause harm to the public. The bill requires these industry members to implement strict controls to prevent sales to prohibited persons, such as convicted felons or straw purchasers, and to stop the theft or loss of firearms. Violations of these rules can lead to civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages, court orders to stop specific practices, and legal fees, without requiring proof that the company intended to break the law. Additionally, the act directs the Attorney General to study whether the state can legally require gun manufacturers to pay for the costs of crime prevention and victim compensation.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law extends the time limit for prosecuting sexual extortion and stalking crimes to five and ten years respectively, allowing authorities to pursue charges long after the offenses occurred. Additionally, the bill removes the standard time restrictions for prosecuting revenge porn, permitting the state to initiate these cases at any point in the future. The legislation also classifies these offenses as serious misdemeanors that can result in prison time and allows for special appellate review of related cases. By updating these statutes, the bill aims to provide victims with more time to report crimes and ensures that perpetrators face potential legal consequences regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.