PERMANENT PROTECTIVE ORDER HB 929 SB 721 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR MOORE

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Assistant State’s Attorney Special Victims Unit, Erin Pearl and Chief ASA Domestic Violence Unit, Brett Engler attended yesterday’s Governor’s signing of House Bill 929/Senate Bill 721, The Permanent Protective Order Consent Bill in Annapolis, MD. Taking effective October 1, 2025, this legislative act will better protect victims of abuse.

The order will allow Defendants to consent to a permanent protective order as part of their plea agreement up front, allowing the victim’s safety to begin immediately. In the past, the victim could not file for the permanent protective order until the Defendant had served a total of at least one year of their imposed sentence. Victims will now receive the security and protection of the Court, and defendants may avoid the risk of trial or a lengthier sentence in exchange for their consent to the permanent protective order.

Thank you Delegate Karen Simpson for sponsoring the bill and Senator Shaneka Henson ! Thank you ASA Pearl and ASA Engler for your support of this bill and for tirelessly advocating for victims’ rights in Maryland! Governor Wes Moore