Criminal Justice

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 20, 2026

HB 1320: Criminal Procedure - Victim Notification - Request at the Time of Charging

HB 1320 requires law enforcement officers and district court commissioners to inform victims or their representatives (such as family members of minors, deceased, or disabled victims) at the time of charging about their right to request notifications regarding a defendant’s custody status and court hearings. The bill mandates that requests be processed through Maryland’s electronic court system (MDEC), ensuring victims receive timely updates without needing to proactively seek them later. It amends existing law to make this notification process automatic upon initial contact in criminal cases, replacing previous procedures that allowed for later requests. This change directly affects victims and their representatives in all criminal cases filed in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires victim notification at charging, enhancing victim rights and transparency in criminal proceedings per Maryland's court system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 661: Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Intercepted Communications - Admissibility of Evidence

SB 661 modifies Maryland law to clarify when intercepted communications (like phone calls or texts) can be used as evidence in criminal court. It allows such evidence if: (1) at least one party was outside Maryland during the communication, (2) the interception wasn’t done by Maryland law enforcement, and (3) all parties were co-conspirators in a violent crime. For other cases, it sets strict conditions for admissibility, including requiring prosecutors to notify defendants 14 days in advance and proving the evidence is more relevant than alternatives. The bill directly affects criminal defendants, prosecutors, and law enforcement handling wiretap evidence in Maryland courts. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires 14-day notice for intercepted evidence, protecting defendant rights in criminal proceedings per bill's admissibility conditions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill restricts admissibility of intercepted communications without strict conditions, strengthening data privacy protections by limiting surveillance evidence use without proper notice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 935: Correctional Services - Comprehensive Rehabilitative Prerelease Services - Female Incarcerated Individuals

HB 935 requires Maryland to establish a dedicated prerelease facility for female incarcerated individuals, directly affecting women eligible for prerelease programs at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. The bill mandates a separate facility meeting specific criteria: at least 3 acres, not within 1 mile of other prisons, and designed to house 1.25 times the 2024 prerelease-eligible population. It requires the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to provide comprehensive rehabilitative services (including gender-responsive programming) and report progress to legislative committees by a specified deadline. The facility must operate by June 1, 2023, with the Department of General Services directing procurement for its construction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes dedicated rehab prerelease facility for women, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through mandated comprehensive services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 716: Courts and Judicial Proceedings - Charging Documents - Law Enforcement Officers

SB 716 amends Maryland law to expand the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include special police officers for the Maryland Judiciary. It requires the State's Attorney to investigate and recommend to a court before a statement of charges can be filed against law enforcement officers, emergency services personnel, or child welfare workers for crimes committed while performing their duties. The bill mandates that such applications must be immediately forwarded to the State's Attorney, who must then investigate and provide a recommendation to the District Court Commissioner before charges proceed. This change applies to cases filed on or after October 1, 2026, and does not affect the State's Attorney's authority to file formal charges or convene a grand jury.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates State's Attorney investigation/recommendation before charging law enforcement officers for on-duty crimes, enhancing accountability and procedural safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 852: Higher Education - Scholarships for Correctional Officers

HB 852 expands Maryland's existing scholarship program to include correctional officers. It amends the Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program (now titled "Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS Scholarship Program") to allow current or future correctional officers to qualify. Eligible recipients must be Maryland residents or graduates of Maryland high schools, enrolled at an eligible institution (public university or community college), and agree to work as correctional officers for at least 5 years within 8 years of graduation. The bill does not create a new program but updates the eligibility criteria of an existing scholarship.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands scholarships for correctional officers, funding education to strengthen corrections workforce within criminal justice system90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education scholarships to correctional officers, increasing access and funding for a specific group within the education system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1575: Correctional Services and Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement - Prohibitions (Community Trust Act)

HB 1575, the Community Trust Act, prohibits state and local correctional facilities and their employees from detaining individuals or sharing information with federal immigration authorities based on immigration status, except when required by a judicial warrant or for routine booking. It bans asking about citizenship, prolonging detention for immigration reasons, transferring individuals to immigration authorities without a warrant, or coercing people based on immigration status. Exceptions include when immigration status relates to legal protections under state/federal law or international treaties, allowing facilities to notify individuals or offer voluntary disclosure. Correctional facilities must adopt policies with penalties for violations, and affected individuals can seek damages or injunctions if harmed by a breach.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits correctional facilities from detaining/sharing immigration status with federal authorities, protecting civil rights and reducing immigration-related coercion in criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state facilities from detaining/sharing immigration status with federal authorities, limiting cooperation and protecting immigrants from state-level enforcement actions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026

HB 1198: Civil Actions - Coerced Debt - Debtor Protections

HB 1198 creates new protections for debtors who incurred debt through coercion (such as fraud, domestic abuse, human trafficking, or exploitation). It requires debtors to provide creditors with written notice and "adequate documentation" (like police reports or court orders) proving the debt was coerced, after which creditors must immediately stop collection efforts. Creditors must confirm receipt of the notice, inform credit bureaus the debt is disputed, and wait at least 40 days before resuming collection if they choose to do so. The bill applies to all debtors in Maryland who face such coerced debts, excluding debts secured by real property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects victims of coercion (e.g., trafficking/domestic abuse) from debt collection, aligning with criminal justice reform by safeguarding vulnerable populations and addressing exploitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Human Trafficking

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 23, 2026

HB 765: Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty

HB 765 amends Maryland's criminal code to explicitly prohibit counterfeiting or possessing counterfeit leases and rental agreements with intent to defraud. It adds "lease" (subsection a(7)) and "rental agreement" (a(13)) to the list of items protected under counterfeiting laws, which previously covered items like bonds and checks. Creating or aiding in creating such counterfeits becomes a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $1,000 fine, while knowingly possessing them is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a $1,000 fine. The bill directly affects individuals who fraudulently create or use fake rental documents, such as those attempting to evade rent or commit property fraud.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by making lease counterfeiting a felony, increasing penalties for fraud under criminal law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 794: Public Safety - Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission - Prohibition Against Certain Affiliation or Support by Police Officers

HB 794 prohibits Maryland police officers from affiliating with, supporting, or advocating for groups promoting white supremacy, racial bigotry, or violence against Black, Indigenous, and people of color. The bill requires the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to enforce this rule, specifically banning officers from participating in or promoting FBI-designated extremist groups that encourage illegal violence. It directly affects all sworn police officers in Maryland by establishing clear conduct standards for their off-duty associations. The law amends existing state code to define "white supremacist groups" and mandates the Commission to enforce these restrictions starting October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits police from extremist affiliations, enhances accountability, and protects civil rights for Black, Indigenous, and people of color in law enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 20, 2026

HB 1340: State Government - Prison Education Delivery Reform Commission - Establishment

HB 1340 establishes the Prison Education Delivery Reform Commission as an independent state body to improve education access for people in Maryland's criminal and juvenile justice systems. The commission, composed of 11 appointed members including state agency heads, legislators, and external experts, must develop a statewide education framework using data to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. Key tasks include researching best practices for education programs, evaluating current workforce training, forming an advisory group with justice reform organizations, and seeking technical assistance from national experts. This commission directly affects incarcerated individuals and justice system stakeholders by focusing on education as a strategy to improve outcomes. The bill creates a structured process for policy recommendations but does not change existing education programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes commission to improve prison education access, aiming to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety through rehabilitation programs95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes commission to develop education framework for justice system, expanding access to programs aimed at reducing recidivism through education95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

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