HOUSE BILL REVIEW SUMMARY

Bill Subject For Against No Position Will Testify Will Not Testify Comments
hb1604F Criminal Law – Smoking Marijuana in Public – Penalty X X
hb1599F Arrest Warrants Issued by District Court Commissioners – Recall by Judge X X
hb1590F Criminal Law – Assault on Public Transportation Operator – Penalties and Reporting X
hb1582F Firearms – Right to Purchase, Possess, and Carry – Use of Medical Cannabis X

sb0179F

hb1578F Facial Recognition Privacy Protection Act X

sb0476F

hb1576F Criminal Procedure – Committed Persons – Release Proceedings X X

sb0731F

hb1575F Criminal Procedure – Victims of Sexually Assaultive Behavior – Waivers of Rights – Prohibition X

sb0807F

hb1558F Residential Treatment Centers and Facilities – Sexual Abuse and Harassment – Reporting and Prevention X

sb0818F

hb1551F Health Practitioners – Minor Patients – Child Abuse Reporting X
hb1550F Child Care Providers – Notice of Allegations of Child Abuse or Neglect (Aiden’s Law) X
hb1529F Drunk and Drugged Driving – Testing – Warrants X X

sb0498F

hb1527F Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adults Registry – Investigations and Records of Abuse and Neglect and Workgroup Study X

sb0833F

hb1506F Cannabis – Personal Use Amount – Legalization X X
hb1497F Crimes – Transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus While Committing Sexual Crime X
hb1458F Maryland State Commission for Criminal Sentencing Policy – Sentencing Guidelines – Plea Agreements (Truth in Plea Deals Act of 2020) X
hb1445F Controlled Dangerous Substance Testing – Correctional Services and Medical 3 Laboratories X X
hb1437F Juveniles Convicted as Adults – Sentencing – Limitations and Reduction (Juvenile Restoration Act) X X
hb1400F Cannabis – Legalization, Taxation, and Regulation X X
hb1381F Vehicle Laws – Accidents Resulting in Death – Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing (Danshaun’s Law) X
hb1378F Criminal Law - Opioids - Distribution Causing Death of Minor X X
hb1377F Criminal Procedure - Conditions of Pretrial Release - Home Detention Monitoring X

sb0513F

hb1376F Criminal Procedure – Cameras in the Courtroom – Criminal Sentencing Hearings (Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2020) X X
hb1357F Criminal Law – Felony Second–Degree Assault X
hb1352F Peace Orders and Protective Orders – Coercive Control X
hb1348F Criminal Procedure – Sex Offender Registration – Indecent Exposure by Inmate X
hb1338F Criminal Law – Felony Murder – Limitation and Review of Convictions for Children X X
hb1336F Criminal Procedure – Partial Expungement X X

sb0589F

hb1335F Criminal Procedure - Automatic Expungement X X
hb1334F Drugged Driving – Controlled Dangerous Substance Testing – Authorized Police Officers X X

sb0497F

hb1327F Courts – Grand Jury Proceedings – Recordings and Transcripts X X
hb1325F Crimes of Violence – Parole (Stopping Dangerous and Violent Criminals Act of 2020) X
hb1322F Criminal Law - Death Penalty - Mass Murder (Capital Gazette Shooting Memorial Act) X
hb1320F Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol – Subsequent Offenders – Mandatory Ignition Interlock X X
hb1315F Criminal Procedure – Postconviction Review – Motion to Vacate X X

sb0860F

hb1309F Criminal Procedure – Law Enforcement Procedures – Use of Force X
hb1308F Criminal Law – Felony First–Degree Murder – Limitation and Review of Conviction X X

sb0919F

hb1302F Criminal Law – Felony Second–Degree Assault – Emergency Medical Care Workers X
hb1294F Criminal Procedure – Victims of Crime – Private Room X
hb1289F Criminal Procedure – Victims and Victims’ Representatives – Plea Agreements (The Victim Empowerment in Plea Deals Act of 2020) X X
hb1282F Criminal Procedure – Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry X
hb1275F Criminal Procedure – Questioning of Minors by Police Officers X
hb1274F Criminal Procedure – Questioning of Minors by Police Officers

Withdrawn

hb1271F Criminal Procedure – Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule – Victim and Witness Intimidation X X
hb1265F Weapon Crimes – Assault Long Guns and Copycat Weapons X X
hb1261F Weapon Crimes – Assault Long Guns and Copycat Weapons

Withdrawn

hb1251F Criminal Procedure – Attorney General – Independent Investigation of Law 3 Enforcement–Involved Death X X
hb1248F Sexual Assault Evidence Kits – Voluntary Payment for Testing X X
hb1247F Criminal Procedure – Expungement – Explanation of Unit Rule X X
hb1245F Juvenile Law – Conduct by Children Involving Sexually Explicit or Nude Images X X
hb1243F Criminal Law – Hate Crimes (John Weed Dignity Act) X
hb1221F Public Information Act – Personnel and Investigatory Records – Complaints Against Law Enforcement Officers X
hb1219F Correctional Services – Parole – Life Imprisonment X X

sb0817F

hb1217F Justice Reinvestment Act – Conditions of Release – Technical Revocation Caps X X
hb1213F Courts – Jury Service – Disqualification X
hb1211F Criminal Law – Visual Surveillance in a Private Place or of a Private Area X X
hb1197F Criminal Procedure – Pretrial Release – Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (Police Protection Act) X X

sb0848F

hb1186F Reckless and Negligent Driving – Death of Another – Must–Appear Violation X X
hb1164F Criminal Law – Domestic Terrorism X
hb1116F Criminal Procedure – Sexual Offenders – Lifetime Supervision X X

sb0320F

hb1115F Courts – Improperly Summoning a Police Officer – Civil Liability X
hb0952F Drunk Driving Offenses - Ignition Interlock System Program X X

sb0870F

hb0960F Criminal Law - False Statements - Emergency or Commission of Crime X X

Support with Amendment to remove language regarding Juveniles

sb0635F

hb0968F Regulated Firearms - Straw Purchase - Penalties X
hb0974F Civil Actions - Child Sexual Abuse - Definition and Statute of Limitations (Hidden Predator Act of 2020) X
hb0985F Compensation to Individual Erroneously Convicted, Sentenced, and Confined or Whose Conviction or Adjudication Is Reversed X

sb0797F

hb1004F Department of Juvenile Services - Juvenile Strategic Reentry Program X

sb0769F

hb1024F Criminal Law - Public Safety - Interference With Agencies and Services - Prohibitions X

sb0837F

hb1049F Criminal Law - Package Theft (Defense Against Porch Pirates Act) X
hb1069F Juvenile Causes - Court Records X
hb1083F Criminal Organizations - Penalties, Procedure, and Elements X X

sb0745F

hb1085F Criminal Procedure - Appeals - Unlawful Possession of a Firearm X X

MSAA Bill

sb0468F

hb1090F Law Enforcement – Complaints and Investigations and Use of Force (Anton’s Law) X X
hb1096F Evidence - Chain of Custody - DNA Profile X X
hb1103F Maryland Child Abduction Prevention Act X

sb0924F

hb1104F Public Safety – Regulated Firearms – Transfer X
hb0623F Criminal Law - Possession of Child Pornography - Penalty X X
hb0624F Juvenile Law - Child Interrogation Protection Act X X
hb0635F Criminal Law - Crimes Involving Computers - Malware and Ransomware X X
hb0637F Courts - Discovery - In-Custody Witness Testimony X X
hb0654F Criminal Law - Unruly Social Gatherings - Civil Penalties X

sb0209F

hb0670F Family Law - Investigation of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect - Preliminary Report to State's Attorney X
hb0674F Controlled Dangerous Substances - Schedules X
hb0677F Correctional Services - Immigration Detention - Prohibition (Dignity Not Detention Act) X
hb0705F Crimes Involving Controlled Dangerous Substances - Penalties - Methamphetamine X X

MSAA Bill

hb0720F Criminal Law - Drug Paraphernalia for Administration - Decriminalization X X
hb0721F Vehicle Laws - Injury or Death of Vulnerable Individual - Penalties
hb0738F Criminal Procedure - Medical Emergency - Immunity X X
hb0739F Law Enforcement Body Camera Task Force X
hb0762F Task Force to Study Impaired Driving and New Technologies X
hb0764F Criminal Law – Law Enforcement Officers – Prohibition on Sexual Activity X
hb0780F Criminal Law - Crime of Violence - Vulnerable Adult X X

sb0481F

hb0803F Intercepted Communications - Penalties and Admissibility of Evidence X X

sb0569F

hb0808F Drugged Driving - Oral Fluid Tests - Pilot Program X

sb0309F

hb0812F Correctional Services - Diminution Credits - Education X X

sb0922F

hb0830F Criminal Law - Organized Retail Theft X X
hb0831F Criminal Law - Attempt to Commit Second-Degree Murder - Penalty (Justice Reinvestment Act - Modification) X X

MSAA Bill

hb0834F Juvenile Law - Juvenile Court Jurisdiction - Attempted Carjacking X X

MSAA Bill

hb0842F Juvenile Law - Informal Adjustment X X

sb0706F

hb0858F Courts - Documentary Evidence - Protective Order X

sb0249F

hb0872F State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services - Membership X

sb0467F

hb0884F Vehicle Laws - Canceled, Revoked, and Suspended Driver's Licenses - Penalties X X

sb0709F

hb0887F Child Abuse and Neglect - Disclosure of Identifying Information X

sb0249F

hb0910F Criminal Law - Untraceable Firearms X X

sb0958F

hb0914F Gun Theft Felony Act of 2020 X

sb0674F

hb0917F Criminal Law - Hate Crimes - Basis (2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins, III's Law) X X

sb0606F

hb0918F Criminal Procedure - Office of the Public Defender - Definition of Serious Offense X
hb0931F Criminal Law - Distribution of Child Pornography - Minor X X
hb0933F Juvenile Offenders - Dual Sentencing X X
hb0945F Criminal Procedure - Sentencing and Disposition - Community Impact Statement X X
hb0261F Criminal Procedure - Charging Procedures and Documents - Citation X X
hb0272F Criminal Law - Obscene Matter - Sexting by Minor
hb0278F Criminal Law - Misconduct in Office X X
hb0283F Criminal Law - Kratom - Prohibition X
hb0289F Evidence - Testimony by Spouse - Violation of Protective Order X X
hb0300F Inmates - Life Imprisonment - Parole Reform X X
hb0301F Public Safety - Task Force on Missing Persons X
hb0302F Criminal Law - Deadly Weapons on School Property - Nonpublic Schools (No Weapons on Nonpublic School Property Act) X
hb0304F Consumer Protection - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices - Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults X
hb0311F Courts - Court Dog and Child Witness Program - Established X X
hb0320F Criminal Law - Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult or Elderly Individual - Undue Influence
hb0323F Criminal Procedure - Petition to Modify or Reduce Sentence (Maryland Second Look Act) X X
hb0352F Criminal Law - Life-Threatening Injury Involving a Motor Vehicle or Vessel - Criminal Negligence (Wade's Law) X X

Letter of Support – Criminal Negligence

hb0355f State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy - Annual Report - Crimes of Violence (The Judicial Transparency Act of 2020) X
hb0356f Crimes - Firearms - Penalties and Procedures (Violent Firearms Offender Act of 2020) X X
hb0357f Crimes - Victim and Witness Intimidation - Penalties and Procedures X X
hb0358f Victim's Rights - Restitution
hb0360F Ethics and Accountability in Government Act X
hb0401F Public Information Act - Remote Access, Fee Complaints, Fee Waivers, and Inspection of Judicial Records (Open Government, Better Government Act) X X
hb0406F Crimes - Unattended Dogs in Extreme Weather Conditions X
hb0425F Criminal Procedure - Sexual Assault Evidence Kits - Privacy, Reimbursement, and Notification X
hb0449F Evidence - Admission of Statement - Unavailability of Witness (Witness Protection Act) X X
hb0459F Criminal Law - Victims of Human Trafficking - Affirmative Defense X X
hb0484F Courts - Aggravated Murder Court X
hb0485F Criminal Law - Hate Crimes - Penalty (Educate Against Hate Act) X
hb0488F Crimes - Mitigation - Sex, Gender Identity, or Sexual Orientation X X
hb0495F Criminal Procedure - Out of Court Statement of Child Victim - Neglect of a Minor X X
hb0499F Criminal Procedure - Cell Site Simulator X X
hb0501F Criminal Law - Child Pornography and Exhibition and Display of Obscene Items to Minors X X
hb0550F Criminal Law - Marijuana - Possession and Possession With Intent to Distribute X X
hb0552F Courts - Juvenile Court - Waiver of Jurisdiction - Victim Impact Statement X X
hb0577F Justice Reinvestment Act - Modifications X X
hb0590F Criminal Law – Sexual Crimes – Repeal of Spousal Defense (Love Is No Defense to Sexual Crimes) X X

sb0230F

hb0591F Public Safety – Lost or Stolen Regulated Firearm – Reporting 2 X
hb0004F Public Safety – Rifles and Shotguns – Secondary Transactions X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0005F Crimes – Hate Crimes – Use of an Item or a Symbol to Threaten or Intimidate X
hb0033F Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult – Causing Severe Emotional Distress X X

Cross-filed: sb0153F

MSAA supports with Amendments

HB 33 – Vulnerable Adult Abuse – amended

hb0036F Juvenile Proceedings – Fines, Fees, and Costs X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0040F Criminal Procedure – Evidence – Causing Unavailability of Witness X X

Because witness intimidation has a significant and direct impact on public safety, amending the Forfeiture by Wrongdoing statute will enable prosecutors in the state to more effectively deter this criminal behavior.  Also, the language of this bill models the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Cross-filed: sb0064F

hb0043F Criminal Procedure – Plea Agreement Terms and the Violence Prevention Initiative Criteria X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0049F Criminal Procedure – Pretrial Release – Pretrial Risk Assessment Instruments X X

MSAA supports with Amendments.

Support with Amendment

Cross-filed: sb0068F

hb0062F Courts and Judicial Proceedings – Contempt – Duress X X
hb0064F Criminal Trials – Spousal Privilege – Exception X X

This privilege is often abused and this bill puts necessary parameters to the Spousal Privilege.

hb0065F Evidence – Causing Unavailability of Witness – Standard of Proof X X

This is similar to House Bill 40. MSAA supports both bills but prefers HB 40.

hb0069F Criminal Procedure – Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention – Reporting of Seizures and Forfeitures X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0073F Firearms – Right to Purchase, Own, Possess, and Carry – Medical Cannabis X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0074F Public Safety – Crime of Violence – Witness Intimidation X X

Felony Witness Intimidation should be added as a Crime of Violence.

hb0075F Clerks of the Courts – Case Management System – Information on Judge or Magistrate X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0076F Criminal Procedure – Victims and Witnesses – Restrictions on Release of Personal Information X X

MSAA BILL

Upon request, victims and witnesses can request the court to restrict the release of their personal information.  Victims and witnesses already have this right in Circuit Court and Juvenile cases.  This bill expands the right to District Court cases.

hb0081F Criminal Procedure – Victims and Witnesses – Restrictions on Release of Personal Information Criminal Law – Sodomy and Unnatural or Perverted Sexual Practice – Repeal X X

This is necessary update of this law.

hb0082F Criminal Procedure - Pretrial Release - Reimbursement of Special Condition Costs X X
hb0083F Criminal Procedure - Automatic Expungement - Possession of Marijuana X X
hb0126F Peace Orders – Workplace Violence X X
hb0128F Law Enforcement – Department of State Police – Body–Worn Cameras X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0132F Public Safety – Crime of Violence – Witness Intimidation X X

sb0205F

hb0166F Criminal Procedure – Law Enforcement Procedures – Use of Force X

MSAA takes no position

hb0171F Crimes Against Animals – Interference with Livestock X

MSAA takes no position.

hb0193F Criminal Law – Use or Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – 3 De Minimis Quantity X X
hb0211F Criminal Law – Indecent Exposure Within the Sight of a Minor X

MSAA takes no position

hb0213F Criminal Procedure – Probation Before Judgment – Facts Justifying a Finding 3 of Guilt and Suspension of Sentence X X
hb0215F Criminal Law – Crimes Involving Computers – Ransomware X X
hb0233F Criminal Law – Assault in the First Degree – Suffocation or Strangulation X X

MSAA Bill

sb0212F

Letters of Support for HB233.SB212

hb0239F Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission – Body–Worn Camera 3 Policy X
hb0242F Criminal Procedure – Motion to Vacate Judgment – Human Trafficking 3 (True Freedom Act of 2020) X X

sb0206F

hb0244F Criminal Records - Disclosure of Information - Prohibited Acts X
hb0246F Sexual Solicitation of a Minor – Solicitation Through Parent, Guardian, or Custodian – Prohibition and Penalties X X

MSAA Bill

sb0231F

FCCTF Letter of Support

Letter of Support – Worchester

hb0248F Protective Orders – Relief Eligibility – Rape and Sexual Offenses X X

sb0210F

This bill clarifies what types of relationships allow a petitioner to obtain a protective order rather than a peace order. Specifically, victims of date rape, intimate partner rape, and stranger rape, would qualify for protective orders rather than peace orders. Protective orders are different from peace orders because they provide for longer period of protection [1 year with the possibility of extension v. 6 months with peace orders], and greater protection for a survivor, such as lease breaking, custody, emergency family maintenance, and significantly, the surrender of firearms. Also, peace orders have to be applied for within 30 days of the alleged offense. Currently, the law is confusing for survivors, because someone who has experienced a rape or sex offense could apply for either a peace order or protective order, and they may pursue a peace order not understanding the difference and therefore losing substantial legal protections they could have under a protective order.

hb0250F Family Law - Final Protective Order - Extension X X

sb0227F

When a petitioner files to extend their protective order, sometimes the hearing is not held in a timely manner due to overwhelming dockets, this bill would allow for the order to be automatically extended and its terms remain in full force and effect until the hearing on the motion. This would provide domestic violence victims with the peace of mind knowing that they are still protected until that hearing and we ask for a favorable report on the bill.

SENATE BILL REVIEW SUMMARY

Bill Subject For Against No Position Will Testify Will Not Testify Comments
sb1048F Criminal Procedure - Office of the Public Defender - Definition of Serious Offense X X

hb1437F

sb1041F Child Abuse and Neglect – Disclosure of Identifying Information X

hb0887F

sb1038F Juveniles Convicted as Adults – Sentencing – Limitations and Reduction (Juvenile Restoration Act) X X

hb1437F

sb0819F Distracted Driving Monitoring Systems – Authorization X
sb0833F Adult Protective Services - Vulnerable Adults Registry - Investigations and Records of Abuse and Neglect and Workgroup Study X

hb1527F

sb0837F Criminal Law - Public Safety - Interference With Agencies and Services – Prohibitions X

hb1024F

sb0846F Peace Orders - Workplace Violence X X

hb0126F

sb0848F Public Safety - DNA Collection, Records, Analysis, and Reporting X X

hb1209F

sb0849F Criminal Procedure - Medical Emergency – Immunity X X

hb0738F

sb0860F Criminal Procedure - Postconviction Review - Motion to Vacate X X

hb1315F

sb0870F Drunk Driving Offenses - Ignition Interlock System Program X X

hb0952F

sb0900F Criminal Records - Disclosure of Information - Prohibited Acts X

hb0244F

sb0919F Criminal Law – Felony First–Degree Murder – Limitation and Review of Conviction X X

hb1308F

sb0921F Courts - Jury Service – Disqualification X
sb0922F Correctional Services - Diminution Credits – Education X X

hb0812F

sb0924F Maryland Child Abduction Prevention Act X

hb1103F

sb0932F Public Safety - DNA Collection - Criminal Offenses Relating to Firearms X
sb0951F Criminal Law - Felony First-Degree Murder - Limitation and Resentencing Procedure X X
sb0958F Criminal Law - Untraceable Firearms X X

hb0910F

sb0989F Criminal Law - Hate Crimes - Penalty (Educate Against Hate Act) X

hb0485F

sb0534F Courts - Discovery - In-Custody Witness Testimony X

hb0637F

sb0554F Crimes - Mitigation - Sex, Gender Identity, or Sexual Orientation X X

hb0488F

sb0569F Intercepted Communications - Penalties and Admissibility of Evidence X X
sb0589F Criminal Procedure - Partial Expungement X X
sb0591F Criminal Procedure - Petition to Modify or Reduce Sentence (Maryland Second Look Act) X X

hb0323F

sb0593F Juvenile Law - Child Interrogation Protection Act X X

hb0624F

sb0598F Criminal Law - Organized Retail Theft X X
sb0606F Criminal Law - Hate Crimes - Basis (2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins, III's Law) X X
sb0635F Criminal Law - False Statements - Emergency or Commission of Crime X X

hb0960F

sb0653F Criminal Procedure - Probation Before Judgment - Facts Justifying a Finding of Guilt and Suspension of Sentence X X

hb0213F

sb0672F Criminal Law - Theft of a Handgun X
sb0674F Gun Theft Felony Act of 2020 X

hb0914F

sb0687F Criminal Procedure - Expungement of Conviction - Driving While Privilege Is Canceled, Suspended, Refused, or Revoked X X
sb0691F Criminal Law - Felony Second Degree Assault - Sports Official X
sb0699F Criminal Procedure - Automatic Expungement - Possession of Marijuana X X

hb0083F

sb0702F Criminal Law - Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult or Elderly Individual - Undue Influence X
sb0704F Criminal Law - Drug Paraphernalia for Administration - Decriminalization X X

hb0720F

sb0706F Juvenile Law - Informal Adjustment X X

hb0842F

sb0709F Vehicle Laws - Canceled, Revoked, and Suspended Driver's Licenses - Penalties X X

hb0884F

sb0712F Maryland Electronic Courts - Electronic Filing - Sealing of Documents X
sb0731F Criminal Procedure - Committed Persons - Release Proceedings X X
sb0735F Criminal Law - Sodomy and Unnatural or Perverted Sexual Practice - Repeal X X

hb0081F

sb0745F Criminal Organizations - Penalties, Procedure, and Elements X X

hb1083F

sb0758F Public Information Act - Remote Access, Fee Complaints, Fee Waivers, and Inspection of Judicial Records (Open Government, Better Government Act) X X

hb0401F

sb0769F Department of Juvenile Services - Juvenile Strategic Reentry Program X

hb1004F

sb0797F Compensation to Individual Erroneously Convicted, Sentenced, and Confined or Whose Conviction or Adjudication Is Reversed X

hb0985F

sb0807F Criminal Procedure - Victims of Sexually Assaultive Behavior - Waivers of Rights – Prohibition X
sb0811F Criminal Procedure - Automatic Expungement X X
sb0815F Vehicle Laws - Violations Involving Pedestrians or Bicyclists - Penalties (Pedestrian Safety Act of 2020) X
sb0817F Correctional Services - Parole - Life Imprisonment X X

hb1219F

sb0249F Courts - Documentary Evidence - Protective Order X
sb0259F Criminal Law - Crime of Violence - Definition X X

MSAA Bill

sb0268F Victim's Rights - Restitution
sb0271F Crimes - Victim and Witness Intimidation - Penalties and Procedures X X

hb0357f

sb0272F State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy - Annual Report - Crimes of Violence (The Judicial Transparency Act of 2020) X

hb0355f

sb0273F Crimes - Firearms - Penalties and Procedures (Violent Firearms Offender Act of 2020) X X

hb0356f

sb0283F Ethics and Accountability in Government Act X

hb0360F

sb0286F Crimes Against Animals - Interference With Livestock X

hb0171F

sb0309F Drugged Driving – Oral Fluid Tests – Pilot Program X
sb0314F Juveniles Charged as Adults - Confidentiality of Records X X
sb0319F Vehicle Laws - Move Over Safety Monitoring System - Authorization X
sb0320F Criminal Procedure - Sexual Offenders - Lifetime Supervision X X
sb0333F Criminal Procedure – Charging Procedures and Documents – Citation X X

hb0261F

sb0335F Criminal Law – Hate Crimes – Harassment and Destruction of Property X X
sb0356F Possession of Medical Cannabis - Local Correctional Facilities and Home Detention Program - Prohibition X
Criminal Law - Child Pornography and Exhibition and Display of Obscene Items to Minors X X

hb0501F

sb0370F Driver's License Suspensions - Failure to Satisfy Judgment - Penalties and Assessment of Points X
sb0406F Criminal Procedure - Sexual Assault Evidence Kits - Privacy, Reimbursement, and Notification X

hb0425F

sb0436F Courts - Improperly Summoning a Police Officer - Civil Liability X
sb0467F State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services - Membership X
sb0468F Criminal Procedure - Appeals - Unlawful Possession of a Firearm X X

MSAA Bill

sb0481F Criminal Law - Crime of Violence - Vulnerable Adult X X

MSAA Bill

sb0482F Criminal Procedure - Out of Court Statements of Child Victims - Child Neglect X X

MSAA Bill

sb0497F Drugged Driving - Controlled Dangerous Substance Testing - Authorized Police Officers X X

MSAA Bill

sb0498F Drunk and Drugged Driving - Testing - Warrants X X

MSAA Bill

sb0505F Crimes Against Animals – Interference With Equines X
sb0509F Criminal Law - Crimes Against Property - Right to Defend Property (Castle Doctrine) X X
sb0512F Vehicle Laws - Injury or Death of Vulnerable Individual - Penalties
sb0513F Criminal Procedure - Conditions of Pretrial Release - Home Detention Monitoring X
sb0515F Crimes - Indecent Exposure - Elements X X
sb0516F Correctional Services – Murder – Diminution Credits (Geraldine’s Law) X X
sb0029F Criminal Law – Life – Threatening Injury Involving a Motor Vehicle or Vessel – (Wade’s Law) X X

MSAA BILL

This creates a crime for causing a life threatening injury while driving in a criminally negligent manner.

Letter of Support – Criminal Negligence

sb0030F Criminal Law – Crimes Involving Computers - Ransomware X X

MSAA BILL

Currently, our state and local governments have been attacked by third party ransomware.  This bill enables the prosecution of these parties.

sb0035F Criminal Law – Crime of Violence - Definition X X

This bill expands the definition of “crimes of violence.”

sb0036F Correctional Services – Eligibility for Parole – Life Imprisonment X X

Currently, life imprisonment is parole eligible in 11.5 years.

sb0039F Public Safety – Regulated Firearm - Definition X

MSAA takes no position.

sb0045F Criminal Law – Child Pornography – Distribution, Creation, or Possession by Minor Subject X X

We foresee unintended consequences for juveniles who will be victimized by the further distribution of their images.

sb0046F State’s Attorney – Required Disclosure – Facial Recognition and DNA Analysis and Search X

MSAA takes no position.

sb0064F Criminal Procedure – Evidence – Causing Unavailability of Witness X X

Because witness intimidation has a significant and direct impact on public safety, amending the Forfeiture by Wrongdoing statute will enable prosecutors in the state to more effectively deter this criminal behavior.  Also, the language of this bill models the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Cross-filed: hb0040F

sb0068F Criminal Procedure – Pretrial Release – Pretrial Risk Assessment Instruments X X

MSAA supports with Amendments.

Support with Amendment

Cross-filed: hb0049F

sb0101F Courts – Court Dog and Child Witness Program - Established X X

MSAA BILL

This is already a proven successful Harford and Anne Arundel Program.

Written Testimony in Support

sb0127F Vehicle Laws – Cats and Dogs Left Unattended – Authorized Removal X

MSAA takes no position.

sb0147F Criminal Law - Kratom - Prohibition X
sb0153F Criminal Law - Abuse or Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult - Causing Severe Emotional Distress X

Cross-filed: hb0033F

sb0161F Crimes - Hate Crimes - Use of an Item or a Symbol to Threaten or Intimidate X

Cross-filed:

hb0005F

sb0179F Firearms - Right to Purchase, Possess, and Carry - Use of Medical Cannabis X

hb0073F

sb0200F Criminal Law - Misconduct in Office X X

hb0278F

sb0205F Public Safety - Crime of Violence - Witness Intimidation X X

hb0132F

sb0206F Criminal Procedure - Motion to Vacate Judgment - Human Trafficking (True Freedom Act of 2020) X X

hb0242F

Support with Amendments

sb0208F Public Safety - Rifles and Shotguns - Secondary Transactions X

hb0004F

sb0209F Criminal Law - Unruly Social Gatherings - Civil Penalties X
sb0210F Protective Orders - Relief Eligibility - Rape and Sexual Offenses X X

hb0248F

This bill clarifies what types of relationships allow a petitioner to obtain a protective order rather than a peace order. Specifically, victims of date rape, intimate partner rape, and stranger rape, would qualify for protective orders rather than peace orders. Protective orders are different from peace orders because they provide for longer period of protection [1 year with the possibility of extension v. 6 months with peace orders], and greater protection for a survivor, such as lease breaking, custody, emergency family maintenance, and significantly, the surrender of firearms. Also, peace orders have to be applied for within 30 days of the alleged offense. Currently, the law is confusing for survivors, because someone who has experienced a rape or sex offense could apply for either a peace order or protective order, and they may pursue a peace order not understanding the difference and therefore losing substantial legal protections they could have under a protective order.

sb0212F Criminal Law - Assault in the First Degree - Suffocation or Strangulation X X

hb0233F

Letters of Support for HB233.SB212

hb0213F Criminal Procedure - Victims and Witnesses - Restrictions on Release of Personal Information X X

MSAA bill

hb0076F

sb0218F Crimes Involving Controlled Dangerous Substances - Penalties - Methamphetamine X X

MSAA Bill

sb0227F Family Law - Final Protective Order - Extension X X

hb0250F

sb0230F Criminal Law - Sexual Crimes - Repeal of Spousal Defense X X

Currently, Maryland law allows marriage to be a defense to some sex crimes. As the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault states in their advocacy for this repeal of Maryland Criminal Code 3-318, your legal relationship with another human being should not be an excuse to permit rape. We support this repeal so that women and men who are subjected to non-consensual sexual contact by an abusive partner, are not barred from seeking justice through the criminal justice system just because they are currently married.

sb0231F Sexual Solicitation of a Minor - Solicitation Through Parent, Guardian, or Custodian - Prohibition and Penalties X X

hb0246F

FCCTF Letter of Support

Letter of Support – Worchester

sb0234F Vehicle Laws - Suspension of Driver's License or Registration - Unpaid Citations or Judgments
sb0235F Criminal Law - Attempt to Commit Second-Degree Murder - Penalty X X

MSAA Bill

sb0246F Criminal Procedure - Cell Site Simulator X X
sb0248F Juvenile Law - Jurisdiction - Attempted Carjacking and Attempted Armed Carjacking X X

MSAA Bill

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