HB 450 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Procedure - Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking

HB 450 protects victims of sexual assault or stalking by requiring courts and parties in criminal or juvenile cases to redact identifying information (like names or addresses) from public court records and filings. It directly affects victims, courts, and legal parties by prohibiting disclosure of such information to nonparties unless the court finds "clear and convincing evidence" of good cause to allow it. The bill mandates redaction of victim identifiers in all filings - including charging documents - and requires courts to redact existing records upon written request from the victim. Exceptions only apply when a court specifically authorizes disclosure after reviewing evidence of necessity. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Criminal Procedure - Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking Third - Criminal Procedure - Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking · 3 edits
MINOR
This bill was advanced from its first reading to a favorable committee report with amendments, moving it closer to becoming law. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new provision allowing health occupations boards to petition courts for access to unredacted records of sexual assault or stalking victims. This exception permits the disclosure of victim information specifically for the purpose of investigating or disciplining a healthcare provider accused of sexual misconduct, provided the victim is notified and has the opportunity to object.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a specific exception for health occupations boards, creating a pathway for victim identifying information to be disclosed in cases involving provider discipline for sexual misconduct.
ELIGIBILITY

Added a new eligibility exception allowing health occupations boards to request unredacted victim records to investigate sexual misconduct by licensed providers.

REQUIREMENT

Added new procedural requirements mandating that the State's Attorney notify victims of such petitions and inform them of their right to object to the disclosure.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified the enforcement mechanism by establishing that a victim's objection to disclosure is a required factor courts must consider when deciding whether to grant access to unredacted records.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 23, 2026

How they voted

1310
Passed · 11 other
Total votes 142
Mar 23, 2026
D Democratic103
94 Yea 9
91% Yea
R Republican39
37 Yea 2
94% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
5
Committee
6
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Committee
Rereferred to Judicial Proceedings
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Committee
Referred Rules
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
lower
Mar 23, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (131-0-11)
house of delegates
Jan 23, 2026
Committee
First Reading Judiciary
lower
36 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors