MD HB437

Expands the definition of "private place" for visual surveillance crimes to explicitly include residences and places of private use, in addition to the existing list of public accommodations like offices, restaurants, hotels, schools, and recreational facilities.

Broadens the prohibition on camera surveillance of an individual's private areas (genitals, buttocks, female breast) to apply regardless of the individual's location, removing the previous limitation to "public or private place."

Violations remain a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment, a fine up to $2,500, or both.

Victims retain a civil cause of action against violators and may recover actual damages and reasonable attorney's fees.

Effective October 1, 2025; approved by Governor Wes Moore on April 22, 2025.