Domestic Violence - Warrantless Arrests and Victims

This bill expands domestic violence protections by allowing police to make warrantless arrests if they have strong evidence that someone battered a person they dated within the past year. It updates the legal definition of "victim of domestic violence" to include individuals injured by someone they had a sexual relationship with in the last year, not just spouses or cohabitants. Key provisions require police to have probable cause, evidence of injury, and a report filed within 48 hours to make such arrests. The law directly affects victims in dating relationships and law enforcement practices in Maryland, taking effect October 1, 2026.