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MarylandSB 05122026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Criminal Law - Stalking - Penalties

Sponsored By: William C. Smith (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesCourt OrdersCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Electronic CommunicationHarassment -see also- ThreatsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyProtection and Peace OrdersRepeat OffendersSurveillance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger penalties for stalking and repeats

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, stalking is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years in jail or a fine up to $5,000, or both. It becomes a felony with up to 10 years or a fine up to $10,000, or both, if certain facts apply. These include a protective order or other court order in effect, a prior Maryland stalking conviction, or a prior out‑of‑state equivalent. Judges may run a stalking sentence at the same time as, or after, a sentence for other crimes from the same acts.

Stalking now covers messages and tracking

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, Maryland defines stalking in clear terms. It includes a pattern of acts meant to make someone reasonably fear serious injury, sexual assault, false imprisonment, or death, or to cause serious emotional distress. The law covers in‑person acts, electronic messages, and devices that track a person without their knowledge or consent. Stalking is prohibited. The law does not cover actions done to follow a court order, a specific lawful business purpose, or acts that are authorized, required, or protected by law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 429

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/10/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/10/2026House

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

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Judiciary

    3/20/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/16/2026Senate

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

    2/4/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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