MD SB739

Authorizes police officers to make warrantless arrests when they have probable cause to believe a person battered someone with whom they have had a sexual relationship within the past year, expanding beyond current law covering only spouses and cohabitants

Requires evidence of physical injury and a police report filed within 48 hours of the alleged incident for warrantless arrest authority to apply

Expands the definition of "victim of domestic violence" under Maryland's domestic violence program to include individuals who have received severe physical injury from someone with whom they have had a sexual relationship within the past year

Amends both the Criminal Procedure Article (Section 2-204) and the Family Law Article (Section 4-513) of the Annotated Code of Maryland

Takes effect October 1, 2025