Criminal Procedure - Postconviction Release - Crimes Resulting in Death of Young Victim

HB 1044 prohibits the release of defendants after conviction but before sentencing or final appeals for specific crimes resulting in the death of a child under 14. It applies directly to individuals convicted of either a violent crime (as defined in Maryland’s Criminal Law §14-101) or a violation of child neglect law (§3-602.1) that caused the death of a victim under age 14. The bill amends Maryland’s Criminal Procedure Article to bar courts from granting pre-sentencing or pre-appeal release in these cases. The law would take effect October 1, 2026.