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MarylandSB 05312026 Regular SessionSenate

Criminal Procedure - Victims of Sexually Assaultive Behavior - Request for Verbal Acknowledgement (Verbal Waiver Transparency Act)

Sponsored By: Shelly Hettleman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - ProceduresInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsSexual OffensesVictims -see also- Criminal Injuries CompensationWaivers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Court enforcement and police policies for sexual assault victims

Beginning October 1, 2026, an affected victim can go to court. You can ask a judge to order police to follow these rules or declare your rights. Each police agency must have a policy to enforce the rules and send it to the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee. The statute set deadlines of January 1, 2021 to adopt the policy and January 15, 2021 to send it.

No police verbal waivers from sexual assault victims

Beginning October 1, 2026, police cannot ask sexual assault victims to sign or say they waive rights. Agencies cannot use words or forms to limit an investigation, block prosecution, or limit the right to sue. If you ask to narrow or pause an investigation, police must write down your request and follow up as the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission recommends.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 159 • No: 0

House vote • 4/3/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 118 • No: 0 • Other: 11

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 407

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (118-0)

    4/3/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/6/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/5/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments {813120/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/2/2026Senate

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

    2/5/2026Senate

  12. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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