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MD SB146
Bill
AI Summary
- Expands Maryland's hearsay exception to include second-degree assault cases, allowing out-of-court statements when the defendant caused the witness to be unavailable through wrongdoing
- Currently, this exception only applies to felony cases; the bill adds second-degree assault (a misdemeanor) to the covered offenses
- Requires a pretrial hearing where the court must find by preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in, directed, or conspired to procure the witness's unavailability
- Statements must meet documentation requirements: given under oath, reduced to writing and signed, or recorded verbatim by stenographic or electronic means
- Effective date: October 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Criminal Procedure - Admission of Out-of-Court Statements - Assault in the Second Degree
Records
Last Action
Hearing 1/16 at 1:00 p.m.
1/9/2025
Committee Referrals
Judicial Proceedings1/8/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available