Bill > SB873

This bill establishes a Workgroup to Study Adoption of a Statute for Assault in the Third Degree, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to examine potential legal changes related to assault laws. The Workgroup will consist of 9 members, including three senators, three delegates, the Attorney General, Public Defender, representatives from crime prevention and victims' support organizations, a retired judge, and a law school faculty member. The group is tasked with studying the potential expansion of Maryland's assault laws to include a third-degree assault classification, identifying practical and legal challenges, and making recommendations for potential legislative changes. Members will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses. The Workgroup is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026. The bill provides for the Workgroup to exist for two years, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, after which it will automatically be dissolved. This approach allows for a comprehensive, collaborative examination of potential modifications to the state's assault statutes before any formal legislative action is taken.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0873?ys=2025RS