MD SB661

Authorizes individuals to legally record wire, oral, or electronic communications that capture the commission or attempted commission of murder, rape, or first-degree assault that is a domestically related crime

Creates an affirmative defense for criminal prosecution under Maryland's wiretap statute if the defendant reasonably believed they were in imminent danger of becoming a victim of one of the listed crimes

Allows intercepted communications to be admitted as evidence in District Court or Circuit Court criminal trials, but only for prosecuting offenses listed in the bill (murder, rape, or domestic first-degree assault)

Requires the party seeking to use the intercepted communication as evidence to provide the adverse party with at least 14 calendar days' notice before trial, including the name and address of the party whose communication was intercepted

Takes effect October 1, 2026