Bill > HB241

This bill modifies Maryland law regarding confidential spousal communications in legal proceedings by expanding the definition of "spouse" to include former spouses and establishing new rules for disclosing confidential communications in criminal cases involving domestic crimes. Specifically, the bill allows a spouse who is the alleged victim in a criminal case to voluntarily disclose confidential communications that occurred during their marriage, such as private conversations between the spouses, when one spouse is charged with a crime against the other. Importantly, while the spouse is permitted to disclose such communications, they cannot be compelled to do so. This change provides greater flexibility for alleged victims in domestic criminal cases by giving them the option to share previously privileged communications if they choose, while still protecting their right to maintain the confidentiality of those communications. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to clarify and modernize existing legal provisions about spousal communication privileges.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0241?ys=2025RS