MD HB477

Expands Maryland's hearsay exception to include second-degree assault cases, in addition to existing felony cases, allowing out-of-court statements when the defendant caused the witness's unavailability through wrongdoing

Requires the court to hold a hearing outside the jury's presence and find by a preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in, directed, or conspired to make the witness unavailable

Statements must meet specific reliability requirements: given under oath, reduced to writing and signed, or recorded verbatim by stenographic or electronic means

Prosecution must notify the defense as soon as practicable of intent to use the statement, its particulars, and the identity of the witness presenting it

Takes effect October 1, 2026