MD HB84

Allows defendants to introduce evidence that they were victims of domestic violence and that the abuse was a significant contributing factor to their crime, to be considered as a mitigating factor at sentencing or sentence modification hearings filed within 5 years of original sentencing

Applies to crimes of violence (excluding murder and sexual crimes), drug offenses when compelled by an abuser, prostitution/human trafficking resulting from coercion, and various property crimes committed due to domestic violence circumstances

Defines domestic violence broadly to include serious bodily harm, assault, rape, false imprisonment, stalking, and revenge porn committed against spouses, cohabitants, relatives, co-parents, or sexual partners

Requires defendants to prove by a preponderance of evidence that domestic violence significantly contributed to the crime; courts may then impose sentences below mandatory minimums or sentencing guidelines

Takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not create a defense to prosecution, authorize sentences exceeding statutory maximums, or diminish crime victims' rights