MD HB501

Creates new felony offense for sexual offenses by persons in positions of authority involving children under age 13, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 fine

Increases penalties for the misdemeanor offense of sexual offense by a person in authority from 1 year/$1,000 maximum to 3 years/$1,000 maximum imprisonment/fine

Establishes enhanced felony penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment and/or $50,000 fine for repeat offenders previously convicted of specified sex crimes

Adds sexual offense by a person in a position of authority (§ 3-308.1) as a predicate crime for the felony of sexual solicitation of a minor

Modifies sex offender registry classifications to include the new offense: violations involving minors (§ 3-308.1(B)) trigger Tier I registration, while violations involving children under 13 or repeat offenders (§ 3-308.1(C) or (D)) trigger Tier III registration