MD SB475

Creative expression (music, dance, visual art, poetry, literature, film, performance art) of a defendant is inadmissible as evidence in criminal or juvenile proceedings unless the court makes specific findings by preponderance of evidence

Courts must find that the defendant intended the expression to be literal rather than figurative/fictional, that it refers to specific facts of the alleged offense, and that it is relevant to a disputed issue of fact

Exception allows creative expression to be admitted in juvenile cases for purposes of evaluating or recommending mental health services or diversion programs

Adds new Section 10–926 to the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: October 1, 2026