Bill > HB613

This bill addresses protecting the identity of sexual assault victims in court documents by prohibiting courts and parties in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases from disclosing identifying information about victims without redaction. Specifically, the bill defines a "victim of sexual assault" as an alleged victim of certain sexual crimes under the Criminal Law Article, and mandates that electronic or paper court filings involving such victims must have identifying information (such as name and other details that could reasonably identify the victim) redacted unless the court finds clear and convincing evidence of good cause to do otherwise. The bill requires courts to redact identifying information upon written request from a sexual assault victim and directs the Supreme Court of Maryland to establish procedures for implementing this redaction process. The new law will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to provide additional privacy protections for sexual assault victims during legal proceedings by preventing the public disclosure of potentially sensitive personal information.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0613?ys=2025RS