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MarylandHB 02602025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Law - Drug Paraphernalia - Prohibitions and Penalties

Sponsored By: Jon S. Cardin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesControlled Dangerous Substances -see also- Drugs; OpioidsCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Drugs -see also- Cannabis; ControlDangSubst; Pharm; etc.Equipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Penalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRepeat Offenders

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower penalties for repeat paraphernalia offenses

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland lowers standard repeat-offense limits for drug-paraphernalia use, possession with intent to use, and supply offenses: from 2 years/$2,000 to 1 year/$1,000. For repeat controlled-paraphernalia offenses under Section 5-620, limits fall from 4 years/$25,000 to 1 year/$1,000. First-offense fines remain capped at $500, except that a prior delivery-to-minor conviction raises a first use-offense limit to 1 year/$1,000. A prior delivery-to-minor conviction also preserves enhanced supply-offense limits of 2 years/$2,000. Adults 18 or older delivering paraphernalia to minors at least 3 years younger still face up to 8 years/$15,000; prison and fines can both apply.

Narrower criminal rules for paraphernalia possession

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland removes possession from the controlled-paraphernalia ban in Section 5-620(a)(2), which covers circumstances indicating unlawful use. The distribution ban remains. The law also removes drug administration from the listed circumstances used to show unlawful intent. Separate bans on unauthorized paraphernalia use and possession with intent to use remain in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank M. Conaway

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 138 • No: 45

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 11

House vote • 3/11/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 34

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 180

    4/22/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/5/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (33-11)

    4/4/2025Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/4/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/4/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/4/2025Senate

  7. Hearing 3/25 at 2:00 p.m.

    3/25/2025Senate

  8. Hearing canceled

    3/25/2025Senate

  9. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025Senate

  10. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/12/2025Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (105-34)

    3/11/2025House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/11/2025House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {623228/1 Adopted

    3/11/2025House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/10/2025House

  15. Hearing 1/28 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/10/2025House

  16. First Reading Judiciary

    1/8/2025House

  17. Pre-filed

    10/31/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2025

    PDF

  • Racial Equity Impact Note

    1/10/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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