Bill > HB1190

This bill modifies Maryland's criminal law regarding felony murder for individuals who were children at the time of the offense, focusing on providing more protections and review opportunities for juveniles. Specifically, the bill prevents a person who was a child at the time of the offense from being found guilty of first-degree murder under felony murder provisions unless they were a "principal in the first degree" (meaning the main actor or someone who directly helped commit the crime). Additionally, the bill allows individuals convicted of first-degree murder before September 30, 2025, who were children at the time and not principals in the first degree, to file a motion for conviction review at any time while incarcerated. During this review, a court must determine whether the person could be found guilty of first-degree murder under the new standards, and if not, the court may vacate the conviction, grant a new trial, or resentence the individual, with the important caveat that the new sentence cannot be more severe than the original sentence. The bill defines a "child" according to the Courts Article and will take effect on October 1, 2025, representing a significant reform in how juvenile involvement in serious crimes is prosecuted and reviewed.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1190?ys=2025RS