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MarylandHB 05012026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Law - Sexual Offense by a Person in a Position of Authority

Sponsored By: J. Sandy Bartlett (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcCounselors and TherapistsCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Ex-OffendersMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPrivate Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRepeat OffendersSchool AdministrationSexual OffensesSports and RecreationStudentsTeachersVolunteersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New and tougher rules for authority-figure sex offenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law creates a new crime for adults in authority over kids at schools and youth programs. A worker age 21+ at a school, or 22+ in a program, cannot have sexual contact with a student or participant who is at least 6 years younger. That misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in jail or a $1,000 fine. If the child is under 13, the crime is a felony with up to 10 years in prison or a $25,000 fine. If the offender has a prior listed sexual offense conviction, a new violation is a felony with up to 20 years in prison or a $50,000 fine. It is also a felony to ask someone to commit or help a qualifying offense, including asking a minor, a parent or guardian, or an undercover officer posing as one. First solicitation offense: up to 10 years or $25,000; later offenses: up to 20 years or $50,000.

Registry tiers updated for authority-figure offenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, people convicted of attempting, conspiring to commit, or committing certain authority-figure sexual offenses are placed on the sex offender registry at different tiers. Convictions for the baseline authority-figure offense are Tier I. Convictions for offenses involving a child under 13 or a previously convicted offender are Tier III. Tier I has fewer reporting rules; Tier III has the strictest reporting and public notification.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • J. Sandy Bartlett

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Elizabeth Embry

    Democratic • House

  • Kris Fair

    Democratic • House

  • Susan K. McComas

    Republican • House

  • Cheryl E. Pasteur

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Andrew C. Pruski

    Democratic • House

  • Stuart Michael Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 426

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (128-0)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (34-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {273425/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/9/2026Senate

  9. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    3/19/2026House

  11. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/19/2026House

  12. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/19/2026House

  13. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/29/2026House

  14. First Reading Judiciary

    1/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2026

    PDF

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