MD HB544

Creates a new offense of third-degree assault covering intentionally causing "offensive contact" (nonconsensual physical contact a reasonable person would find offensive), threatening such contact, or attempting it

Excludes from third-degree assault any contact resulting in physical injury, risk of serious injury, domestic violence crimes, or sexual crimes—those would remain prosecuted under existing assault statutes

Punishes third-degree assault as a misdemeanor with up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine up to $500, or both

Assigns exclusive original jurisdiction to District Court, with circuit court jurisdiction only if the defendant demands a jury trial, appeals, or faces related charges in circuit court

Adds third-degree assault convictions to the list of offenses eligible for expungement after 5 years, and removes the current 7-year waiting period that applies to second-degree assault expungements