Bill > HB572

This bill allows certain out-of-court statements to be admitted as evidence during the trial of a criminal case where the defendant is charged with a felony or assault in the second degree. The key provision is that the statement can be admitted if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the party against whom the statement is offered engaged in, directed, or conspired to commit wrongdoing that was intended to and did make the declarant of the statement unavailable. The bill also outlines specific requirements for the statement, such as being given under oath or reduced to writing, and notification requirements for the proponent of the statement. The bill would take effect on October 1, 2024.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0572?ys=2024RS