Criminal Law - Crimes Against Property - Right to Defend Property

HB 1497 would allow occupants of homes or businesses in Maryland to use any level of physical force - including deadly force - to defend their property against unlawful intruders who they reasonably believe are committing or planning to commit additional crimes (like assault or property damage) beyond just entering without permission. It provides legal immunity from both criminal charges and civil lawsuits for occupants who use force under these specific conditions. Exceptions include situations where the intruder is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency responder performing official duties, or a person with express permission to enter. The bill modifies Maryland’s criminal law to clarify these defense rights while explicitly stating that race, gender, or other personal characteristics cannot justify assault.