MD SB298

Courts may admit out-of-court statements from vulnerable adult victims or witnesses as evidence in criminal proceedings, where "vulnerable adult" is defined as someone lacking physical or mental capacity for daily needs or a person at least 68 years old

Statements include oral, written, or nonverbal assertions (sounds, gestures, demonstrations, drawings) and apply to cases involving assault, rape, sexual offenses, theft, identity fraud, financial crimes against vulnerable adults, and crimes of violence

Courts must hold an evaluation hearing to assess trustworthiness, considering 13 factors including the victim's personal knowledge, cognitive ability, motive to fabricate, spontaneity of the statement, and whether leading questions were used

The State must provide defendants notice at least 20 days before the criminal proceeding, including intent to introduce the statement and any audio/visual recordings

Takes effect October 1, 2025