Bill > HB435

This bill modifies Maryland's jury service qualification laws by expanding the disqualifying criminal convictions that would prevent an individual from serving on a jury. Specifically, the bill now disqualifies individuals who are currently serving a sentence (including parole or probation) for a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, and adds new categories of disqualifying crimes involving perjury, witness intimidation, jury intimidation, and certain fraud-related offenses. The bill removes a previous provision that allowed individuals to qualify for jury service if they were pardoned for a disqualifying conviction. The changes aim to ensure that individuals with certain criminal backgrounds are not eligible to serve on juries, potentially to maintain the integrity of the jury selection process. The new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving courts and potential jurors time to adjust to the updated requirements.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0435?ys=2025RS