Criminal Justice (Human Trafficking)

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

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 473: Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

SB 473 requires new applicants for taxicab, for-hire driver, or transportation network operator (e.g., Uber/Lyft) licenses in Maryland to submit proof they completed human trafficking awareness training. This includes either the U.S. Department of Transportation’s "Leaders Against Human Trafficking" program or another nationally recognized training program. The bill also protects licensed drivers from civil or criminal liability when reporting suspected trafficking in good faith. These requirements apply specifically to new license applicants, not current license holders, and are designed to help identify and prevent trafficking through driver training and reporting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires human trafficking training for drivers, aiding crime prevention and reporting in criminal justice context85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates trafficking training for for-hire drivers (Uber/Lyft), enhancing safety standards in transportation services per topic's vehicle regulations focus.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2026

HB 1348: Human Trafficking - Reports to Regional Navigators and Prosecutions - Authorization

HB 1348 modifies Maryland's reporting requirements for suspected child trafficking. It expands mandatory reporting to include labor and sex trafficking by requiring health practitioners, educators, and others to notify specialized support coordinators (replacing "regional navigators") when they suspect such abuse, even without a child's consent or over their objection. The bill also authorizes State’s Attorneys and the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute trafficking violations under new provisions in the Criminal Law. These changes specifically apply to child trafficking cases and take effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands mandatory reporting for human trafficking to improve victim identification and prosecution, strengthening law enforcement response and victim protection within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

Track

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

HB 792: Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Packages (Porch Piracy Act of 2026)

HB 792 (Porch Piracy Act of 2026) makes stealing mail or packages delivered by USPS or private carriers a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It directly affects individuals who steal mail/packages and the recipients (victims) of such theft. Key provisions require courts to order thieves to either return the stolen item or pay restitution for its value to the victim. Additionally, interest accrued on overdue restitution payments must be split equally - 50% to the victim and 50% to the court. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies porch piracy as felony with 5-year max, mandates restitution - increases penalties without reform elements95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 829: Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

HB 829 requires drivers applying for for-hire or transportation network operator licenses (like Uber/Lyft drivers) in Maryland to complete human trafficking awareness training. The training must cover recognizing trafficking victims, responding appropriately, and connecting victims with resources. Licensed drivers who report suspected trafficking in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. This applies to taxi drivers, for-hire drivers, and transportation network operators seeking new or renewed licenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires human trafficking awareness training for drivers, promotes victim identification/reporting, and protects good-faith reports - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of crime prevention and victim support.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 84: Criminal Procedure - Sentencing - Domestic Violence as a Mitigating Factor (Providing Alternatives Through Healing for Justice-Involved Individuals (PATH) Act)

HB 84 allows defendants in specific criminal cases to present evidence that they were victims of domestic violence and that this violence significantly contributed to their crime as a mitigating factor during sentencing. It applies to defendants charged with certain violent crimes, drug offenses, human trafficking, or property crimes where domestic violence was a key factor, but excludes murder, sexual assault, and some other offenses. Defendants must prove this by a preponderance of evidence, and courts must consider it when determining sentences, potentially reducing sentences below mandatory minimums or guidelines. The bill does not create new crimes, change maximum penalties, or affect victims' rights, and it requires courts to explain their reasoning if domestic violence is considered.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows domestic violence victimhood as sentencing mitigator for eligible crimes, promoting rehabilitation-focused alternatives over punitive measures, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Sentencing

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 265: State Board of Elections - Address Confidentiality Program - Designation of Contact Person

HB 265 requires Maryland's State Board of Elections to designate a contact person for the Address Confidentiality Program, which helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, or human trafficking keep their real addresses private. The bill mandates that local election offices use participants' actual addresses for election purposes (like absentee ballots) but must not disclose these addresses publicly except for law enforcement requests or court orders. The designated contact person will handle all inquiries from election offices and participants about implementing the program's rules. This bill updates existing election law to clarify administrative procedures for the program, effective June 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects victims of crime by maintaining address confidentiality, aligning with civil rights and victim safety in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Human Trafficking

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 138: Criminal Procedure - Sentencing - Domestic Violence as a Mitigating Factor (Providing Alternatives Through Healing for Justice-Involved Individuals (PATH) Act)

SB 138 allows defendants in specific criminal cases to present evidence that they were victims of domestic violence and that this violence significantly contributed to their crime as a mitigating factor during sentencing or within five years for sentence modification. It applies to crimes of violence, drug offenses tied to coercion, human trafficking, and other crimes committed under domestic violence circumstances - excluding murder, sexual offenses, and certain abuse crimes. If the court finds domestic violence was a significant factor, it must treat it as a mitigating factor and may reduce sentences below mandatory minimums or sentencing guidelines. The defendant bears the burden of proof (preponderance of evidence), and courts must state their reasoning for decisions related to this factor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allows domestic violence victim status as sentencing mitigator, promoting rehabilitation-focused alternatives (PATH Act) to reduce recidivism and address root causes of crime, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Sentencing

Track

died · Maryland · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 436: Minors Convicted as Adults - Sentencing - Transfer to Juvenile Court

SB 436 creates a legal pathway for minors convicted as adults in Maryland to be transferred to juvenile court under specific circumstances. It requires courts to transfer a minor to juvenile court if they have clear and convincing evidence the victim of the minor's offense previously committed a sex crime or human trafficking act against the minor within three months before the offense. If transferred, the juvenile court must then determine an appropriate juvenile disposition. This bill directly affects minors convicted as adults who are victims of recent sexual abuse or trafficking by the person they harmed, modifying sentencing rules to prioritize juvenile court oversight in these cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill transfers minors convicted as adults to juvenile court for rehabilitation-focused disposition, aligning with criminal justice reform by reducing punitive adult sentencing for vulnerable youth.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Juvenile Justice Sentencing

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 140: Criminal Law - Benefits Exploitation

SB 140 prohibits individuals from knowingly recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining another person specifically to appropriate their government benefits for personal gain or another's benefit. It directly affects vulnerable populations receiving benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, or veterans' aid, and targets those exploiting them through coercion (e.g., threats, financial control) or deception. The law defines "exploitation" as illegally using benefits via undue influence, false promises, or isolation, and bans profiting from such exploitation or aiding violations. Violations are felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both, with each violation treated as a separate offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates criminal offense to protect vulnerable beneficiaries from exploitation of government benefits, advancing criminal justice reform by safeguarding civil rights and preventing fraud against Medicare/Medicaid/SNAP recipients.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects Medicare/Medicaid benefits from exploitation, safeguarding vulnerable populations' access to healthcare coverage and preventing misuse of public health programs.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly protects veterans' aid from exploitation by prohibiting illegal appropriation of government benefits, directly safeguarding veterans' access to benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Medicaid Medicare