MD HB1406

Allows defendants charged with murder, manslaughter, or assault offenses to claim self-defense without proving they believed danger was imminent or immediate

Applies when the victim had previously committed any degree of assault against the defendant

Also applies when the victim had previously committed sexually assaultive behavior against the defendant, as defined in § 10-923 of the Courts Article

Adds new Section 1-403 to the Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: October 1, 2026