MD SB873

Establishes a Workgroup to Study Adoption of a Statute for Assault in the Third Degree, consisting of 3 senators, 3 delegates, representatives from the Attorney General's office, Public Defender's office, Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, Maryland State's Attorneys' Association, a retired circuit court judge, a University of Baltimore law professor, and a domestic violence victims' advocate

Workgroup must study expanding Maryland assault law to include a third degree offense, identify practical and legal issues, make recommendations, and prepare draft legislation if it recommends adoption

Workgroup report with findings and recommendations due to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026

Office of the Attorney General and Department of Legislative Services provide staff support; members receive no compensation but are entitled to expense reimbursement

Act takes effect July 1, 2025 and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2027