MD HB703

Evidence of autism spectrum disorder, developmental disability, or intellectual disability diagnoses becomes admissible in criminal proceedings when it tends to show whether the defendant had the required mental state for the charged offense

Judges and District Court commissioners must consider any developmental or intellectual disability diagnosis when making pretrial release determinations

Covered disabilities include conditions manifested before age 22 that result in inability to live independently and require ongoing support services

Autism spectrum disorder is defined according to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Effective date: October 1, 2025