Del. Robin Grammer

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 The law also clarifies that consent can be withdrawn at any time and cannot be documented in writing.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 summaryThis Maryland bill allows for the reimbursement of sexual assault forensic exams performed remotely using peer-to-peer telehealth, where a forensic nurse assists a patient who is physically present with a healthcare provider. It mandates that the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of launching a pilot program for these remote examinations. The legislation defines specific telehealth requirements, such as the use of interactive audio and video, and clarifies that providers cannot include victim details or photos in reimbursement requests. Additionally, the bill grants immunity from civil liability to physicians and healthcare providers who conduct these exams without obtaining parental consent for children.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Jaycee Webster Victims' Rights Act, requires Maryland commitment units to inform victims, their representatives, and witnesses when a defendant or child respondent is released from confinement. When sending these notifications, the facility must include the name and phone number of a specific victim services employee from the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center to assist those affected. The law also mandates that commitment units notify these individuals about other significant events, such as escapes, transfers, or the death of the person in custody. Additionally, the legislation protects the privacy of witnesses and victims by prohibiting commitment units from sharing their contact information with the defendants.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law updates criminal procedure rules to allow the use of forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis for identifying deceased or missing children under 18. The bill specifically permits law enforcement to use these genetic searches when a child's whereabouts are unknown, even if standard legal restrictions on such techniques would otherwise apply. By adding a new section to the state code, the legislation clarifies that existing limitations on DNA analysis do not block efforts to locate or identify these vulnerable individuals. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024, providing a legal framework for using genealogy databases in cases involving missing or deceased minors.

Maddy summaryMaryland's HB 338 establishes strict rules for how law enforcement agencies can use facial recognition technology in criminal investigations. The bill prohibits using this technology to identify individuals in public spaces or for real-time tracking, except when investigating specific serious crimes like violence, human trafficking, or stalking. Additionally, results from facial recognition software cannot be the only evidence used to identify a suspect or establish probable cause; they must be supported by other independent proof. The law also prevents officers from telling witnesses that a suspect was identified via this technology before a formal lineup and bans comparing images against databases other than official driver's license or mugshot records. Finally, the state law overrides any local rules that might have been in place regarding the use of facial recognition.

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.