Criminal Procedure - U Nonimmigrant Status Petitions

SB 608 amends Maryland law to update how local authorities certify victims' helpfulness for U Nonimmigrant Status (U visa) petitions. It expands who can certify these petitions to include more agencies like child/adult protective services and the Commission on Civil Rights, beyond just police and prosecutors. The bill requires certifying officials to include specific details about the crime, the victim’s past/present cooperation, and evidence of harm in the certification form. This directly affects victims of qualifying crimes (like trafficking or domestic violence) seeking U visas to stay in the U.S. while assisting law enforcement. The changes align Maryland’s process with federal U visa rules and streamline certification for victims and advocates.