Bill > HB130

This bill modifies Maryland law regarding the illegal interception of communications by reclassifying the offense from a felony to a misdemeanor and establishing specific statute of limitations rules. Specifically, the bill changes the penalty for willfully intercepting, disclosing, or using wire, oral, or electronic communications without authorization from a felony to a misdemeanor, which carries a potential punishment of up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill also introduces a new provision establishing that criminal prosecutions for such communication interception offenses must be initiated within 5 years after the offense was committed. Additionally, the bill clarifies that for certain misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary, the state may institute a prosecution at any time, and the defendant may reserve points for in banc review under the Maryland Constitution. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the new legal standards.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0130?ys=2025RS