MD SB608

Reduces the standard timeline for certifying entities to approve or decline U visa certification requests from 90 days to 45 days, with expedited 7-day timelines for victims in removal proceedings or detention, and 12-day timelines when a qualifying family member will age out of eligibility within 60 days

Expands who may request U visa certification on behalf of a victim to include attorneys, victim advocates, and other representatives, in addition to the victim, parent, guardian, or next friend

Broadens the definition of "certifying entity" to include agencies with civil, family, or administrative jurisdiction, and adds Adult Protective Services to the list of qualifying agencies

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that victims who have not unreasonably refused to cooperate are considered helpful, and eliminates any statute of limitations for when the qualifying crime occurred relative to the certification request

Requires certifying entities to develop protocols to assist petitioners with limited English proficiency and mandates written explanations when certification is declined