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MarylandSB 02942026 Regular SessionSenate

Criminal Procedure – Protection of Identity of Victim of Sexual Assault or Stalking

Sponsored By: Sara Love (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - ProceduresAddressesCommittees and CommissionsCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.DisciplineDisclosureHarassment -see also- ThreatsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Identification -see also- Biometrics; Fingerprinting; DrLicsInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestJuvenile Justice and DelinquencyNoticesPersonal Identifying InformationPetitionsPrivacyRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsSexual OffensesTelephonesTrialsVictims -see also- Criminal Injuries CompensationWitnesses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger court privacy for sexual assault and stalking victims

Beginning October 1, 2026, criminal and juvenile court records must protect names and details that can identify minor victims, sexual‑assault victims, and stalking victims. Courts and parties may not share filings, including charging documents, with nonparties unless those details are removed. A court can allow access only for good cause proven by clear and convincing evidence. If you are a sexual‑assault or stalking victim, you can ask in writing to have your identifying details removed from existing filings. A separate licensing‑board process below covers limited access in discipline cases.

Licensing boards can see unredacted records for discipline

Beginning October 1, 2026, a health licensing board that licensed or certified the defendant can ask the court to see unredacted records to investigate sexual misconduct. The board must serve its petition on each party. The state’s attorney must tell each victim what may be shared, how to object, and where to find certified crisis programs. If no victim objects, the investigation counts as good cause and the court may allow the board to inspect the unredacted record. The board may not publicly release the record.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 542

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (128-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/8/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Judiciary

    3/6/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    3/5/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {523923/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/2/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/22/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/21/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/21/2026

    PDF

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