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MD SB465
Bill
AI Summary
- Expands Maryland's hearsay exception to include second-degree assault cases, allowing out-of-court statements when a defendant caused the witness's unavailability through wrongdoing
- Currently this exception applies only to felony cases; the bill adds second-degree assault (a misdemeanor) to the covered offenses
- Requires a pre-admission hearing outside the jury's presence where the court must find by preponderance of evidence that the defendant procured the declarant's unavailability
- Statements must meet documentation requirements: given under oath, reduced to writing and signed, or recorded verbatim by stenographic or electronic means
- Takes effect October 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Criminal Procedure - Admission of Out-of-Court Statements - Assault in the Second Degree
Trials
Last Action
Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.
2/9/2026
Committee Referrals
Judicial Proceedings2/2/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available