Bill > HB847

This bill establishes a new Domestic Violence Offender Registry that requires individuals convicted three or more times of domestically related crimes to register with their county sheriff. The registry will be maintained by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and include detailed personal information such as the registrant's name, residential address, digital photo, and details of their convictions. A "domestically related crime" is defined broadly, including domestic violence as defined in the Family Law Article and crimes committed against a person with whom the defendant had a sexual relationship in the past 12 months. Registrants must provide and update their information annually and within 10 days of any address change, with the initial registration period lasting 15 years and potentially extended by 20 years for subsequent convictions. The registry will be publicly accessible through various means including the internet, telephone, and in-person. Registrants can petition the circuit court for an exemption if they can demonstrate they do not pose a continued risk. Failure to register or provide accurate information is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0847?ys=2025RS