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MarylandSB 04752026 Regular SessionSenate

Criminal Procedure - Evidence - Protecting Artists' Creative Expression (PACE Act)

Sponsored By: Charles E. Sydnor (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - ProceduresArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcDefendantsEvidenceJuvenile Justice and DelinquencyMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Limits on using your art as evidence

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law limits when Maryland courts can use your songs, art, or writing against you in a criminal or juvenile case. A judge must first find, by a preponderance of the evidence, that you meant the work literally (or adopted a literal meaning from another work), that it closely matches the alleged crime in time and facts, that it matters to a disputed fact, and that its value as proof outweighs unfair harm. The law defines creative expression as works that can be copyrighted, like music, dance, performance art, visual art, poetry, books, and film. In juvenile cases, a child’s creative work can be used only to evaluate or refer them to mental health care or a diversion program, not as proof of guilt.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Charles E. Sydnor

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Nick Charles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Mautz

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 55

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 10 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 35 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 10 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 517

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (32-10)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (99-35)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/6/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {433823/1 Adopted

    4/6/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/6/2026House

  9. Referred Judiciary

    3/24/2026House

  10. Third Reading Passed (33-10)

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Second Reading Passed

    3/23/2026Senate

  12. Favorable Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/23/2026Senate

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

    2/9/2026Senate

  15. Hearing canceled

    2/9/2026Senate

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

    2/4/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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