MarylandHB 03292026 Regular SessionHouse

Criminal Law - School Resource Officers - Prohibition on Sexual Activity with Students

Sponsored By: Karen Simpson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesEducation - MiscellaneousCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Law Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceSchool Resource OfficersSexual OffensesStudents

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Criminal penalties for officer sexual misconduct

Beginning July 1, 2026, breaking these rules is a misdemeanor. Punishment can be up to 3 years in jail, a fine up to $3,000, or both. Judges can make this sentence run at the same time as, or after, sentences for certain other listed crimes.

School police barred from sex with students

Beginning July 1, 2026, a school resource officer cannot have sexual contact or intercourse with a student enrolled at the school where the officer is assigned. A school resource officer includes an officer assigned under a written agreement between the police chief and the school system and Baltimore City school police. This makes such conduct a crime under state law.

No sex with victims, witnesses, or detainees

Beginning July 1, 2026, an officer cannot have sexual contact or intercourse with a victim, witness, or suspect in an open case the officer is working on, when the officer knew or should have known the person’s role. An officer also cannot have sexual contact with someone asking for help during official duties or someone in the officer’s custody. There is a narrow exception if there was a prior lawful sexual relationship and the officer did not use their official position to get consent.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Karen Simpson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Kris Fair
Democratic • House
Kenneth Kerr
Democratic • House
Emily Shetty
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/18/2026