MarylandSB 01772026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Criminal Law - Obstruction or Interference With Exercise of Religious Beliefs - Prohibition

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Blocking access at religious sites is a crime

Beginning October 1, 2026, it is a crime to use force, threats, or physical blocking at a religious facility. You cannot stop someone from entering or leaving, or interfere while they lawfully practice their religion. “Religious facility” includes places of worship, cemeteries, religious schools, community centers, and nearby grounds. A conviction can bring up to 90 days in jail or a fine up to $1,000, or both. This does not ban peaceful speech, and it does not apply to the facility’s leader or agents, or to law enforcement.

Crime for blocking medical access repealed

Beginning October 1, 2026, the state no longer treats physically blocking or detaining someone at a medical facility as a separate misdemeanor. The prior penalty had been up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine. That specific offense is repealed.

Crime for damaging religious property repealed

Beginning October 1, 2026, the state repeals the misdemeanor for defacing, damaging, destroying, or threatening to damage property used for religious purposes. This includes places of worship, cemeteries, religious schools, community centers, and adjacent grounds. The prior penalty had been up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Chris West
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 163 • No: 0

House vote • 4/3/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 119 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/6/2026