Peace Orders and Criminal Harassment - Intentional Visual Surveillance

SB 92 adds "intentional visual surveillance of areas of a residence where the petitioner has a reasonable expectation of privacy" as a new grounds for seeking a peace order in Maryland. It directly affects individuals experiencing unwanted filming or monitoring in private home spaces (like yards or windows) by requiring courts to grant specific relief. Key provisions include ordering the surveilling person to remove surveillance devices within 15 days and permanently stop further visual monitoring. The bill amends Sections 3-1503(a)(12) and 3-1505(d)(1)(vii) of Maryland’s Courts and Judicial Proceedings code. It takes effect October 1, 2025.