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MarylandSB 03602026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against

Sponsored By: Shaneka Henson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDefendantsDisabilitiesDogsEmergency 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

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

Defenses in emergency animal cases

Beginning October 1, 2026, a person charged under these rules can claim necessity or self‑defense. There is also an affirmative defense if the person reasonably acted to stop physical harm under Maryland’s use‑of‑force law.

Stronger penalties for harming police and rescue animals

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law protects police and search‑and‑rescue animals on duty. It makes it a crime to intentionally harass or interfere with them, to injure them, or to kill or cause serious physical injury. Penalties are up to 1 year in jail or a $5,000 fine. If done during another crime, or if the animal is killed or seriously injured, penalties are up to 2 years or a $10,000 fine. Covered animals include police dogs and horses and state‑directed search‑and‑rescue dogs and horses. Serious physical injury means permanent or long‑lasting disfigurement or loss of function. The law repeals the older clause and replaces it with this structure.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Nick Charles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike McKay

    Republican • Senate

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Waldstreicher

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 225 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 401

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {563229/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/10/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 2:00 p.m.

    4/2/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    4/2/2026House

  11. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  12. Referred Judiciary

    3/6/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    3/5/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {603821/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/2/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026Senate

  18. Hearing canceled

    2/9/2026Senate

  19. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026Senate

  20. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

    PDF

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