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MarylandHB 05632026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against

Sponsored By: Dylan Behler (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDisabilitiesDogsEmergency Services -see also- Ambul; Emergencies; etc.Harassment -see also- ThreatsHorsesInjuryLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PolicePenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRescue Squads -see also- Emergency Medical ServSelf Defense

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger protections for police and rescue animals

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law protects police and rescue animals while they work. You may not harass, interfere with, injure, kill, or cause serious injury to them. Harassment or injury is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail or a $5,000 fine. Killing or causing serious injury, or doing these crimes while committing another crime, carries up to 2 years or a $10,000 fine. Intentionally harming an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit is also felony aggravated cruelty, with up to 3 years in jail or a $5,000 fine. Self-defense, necessity, or reasonable action to stop unlawful use of force are defenses. The law also clarifies which agencies count as law enforcement units, including state, county, and city police, sheriffs, State’s Attorneys, the State Prosecutor, and the Attorney General.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Lauren Arikan

    Republican • House

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

  • Frank M. Conaway

    Democratic • House

  • Mangione

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Susan K. McComas

    Republican • House

  • David Moon

    Democratic • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • William Valentine

    Republican • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 302 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 125 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 402

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Readings Passed with Amendments (44-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Floor Amendment {733720/1 (Senator Henson) Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Motion Special Order until Next Session (Senator Henson) Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  8. Motion Special Order until 4/9 (Senator Henson) Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/7/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {403227/1 Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/6/2026Senate

  12. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Third Reading Passed (125-0)

    3/21/2026House

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  15. Favorable with Amendments {953127/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/20/2026House

  17. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/2/2026House

  18. First Reading Judiciary

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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