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MD SB514

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/2/2026

Primary Sponsor

William Smith

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates new crime of third-degree assault for intentionally causing offensive contact, engaging in conduct to put another in fear of offensive contact, or attempting to cause offensive contact
  • Defines "offensive contact" as nonconsensual physical contact a reasonable person would find offensive, excluding contact causing physical injury, domestic crimes, or sexual crimes
  • Punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine up to $500, or both
  • Third-degree assault must be specifically charged by the State and is not a lesser included offense of any other crime
  • Convictions are eligible for expungement; cases are tried in District Court unless the defendant demands a jury trial or appeals

Legislative Description

Criminal Law - Third-Degree Assault

Crimes and Punishments

Last Action

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.

2/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Judicial Proceedings2/2/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available