MD HB281

Expands Maryland's hearsay exception to allow out-of-court statements in second degree assault cases, in addition to felony cases, when the defendant caused the witness to be unavailable through wrongdoing

Requires the court to hold a hearing outside the jury's presence and find by preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in, directed, or conspired to commit wrongdoing that procured the witness's unavailability

Limits admissible statements to those given under oath, reduced to writing and signed, or recorded verbatim by stenographic or electronic means

Requires the prosecution to notify the defense as soon as practicable of intent to offer the statement, its particulars, and the identity of the witness presenting it

Takes effect October 1, 2025