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MD HB802
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Sandy Bartlett
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10–405 to create a new exception (subsection C) allowing intercepted wire, oral, or electronic communications to be admitted as evidence in criminal or civil trials in District Court or Circuit Court
- Requires the court to determine that the intercepted communication is offered as evidence of a material fact, was not intercepted as part of a law enforcement investigation by Maryland officials, and is more probative than any other evidence the proponent can obtain through reasonable efforts
- Admission must also satisfy a judicial finding that the interest of justice will be best served by allowing the intercepted communication into evidence
- Requires the proponent to provide the adverse party with advance notice of the intention to offer the intercepted communication and the name and address of the party whose communication was intercepted, with sufficient time to prepare
- Effective October 1, 2026; introduced by Delegate Bartlett on February 4, 2026, and assigned to the Judiciary Committee
Legislative Description
Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Intercepted Communications - Admissibility of Evidence
Notices
Last Action
Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
2/5/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available