Bill > HB385

This bill alters the provisions of Maryland law relating to first-degree murder. It states that a person who was a child (defined as under 18 years old) at the time of the offense cannot be found guilty of first-degree murder under the felony murder rule, which holds a person responsible for murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain enumerated felonies. The bill also allows individuals convicted of first-degree murder under the felony murder rule before October 1, 2021, who were children at the time, to file a motion for review of their conviction. The court must then hold a hearing to determine if the state can prove the person could still be convicted of first-degree murder as an adult, and if not, the court must vacate the first-degree murder conviction and enter a conviction for second-degree murder, resentencing the individual accordingly.