MD HB677

Courts may admit out-of-court statements from vulnerable adult victims or witnesses as evidence in criminal proceedings to prove the truth of the matter asserted, provided the circumstances do not indicate lack of trustworthiness

"Vulnerable adult" is defined as an adult lacking physical or mental capacity to provide for daily needs, or a person at least 68 years of age

Applies to specific crimes including assault, rape, sexual offenses, abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults, theft, identity fraud, financial crimes against vulnerable adults, and crimes of violence

Courts must hold an evaluation hearing and consider 13 factors to assess trustworthiness, including the witness's personal knowledge, cognitive ability, potential motives to fabricate, statement consistency, and whether leading questions were used

State must provide at least 20 days' notice to defendants before using such statements, including any recordings or statement content; the act takes effect October 1, 2025