MD SB512

Amends Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-802 to create enhanced felony penalties for stalking under certain circumstances, effective October 1, 2026

Standard stalking violation remains a misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000

Elevates stalking to a felony with up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000 when the offender had an active protective order against them involving the victim at the time of the offense

Enhanced felony penalties also apply when the offender has a prior stalking conviction in Maryland or an equivalent conviction from another state

Sentences for stalking may run consecutive to or concurrent with sentences for other crimes arising from the same conduct