Bill > SB1001

This bill, known as the PACE (Protecting the Admissibility of Creative Expression) Act, aims to limit the use of a defendant's creative works as evidence in criminal and juvenile proceedings. The bill defines "creative expression" broadly to include music, dance, performance art, visual art, poetry, literature, and film - essentially any artistic output involving creativity or imagination. Under this legislation, such creative works would be inadmissible in court unless a judge finds, through clear and convincing evidence, that four specific conditions are met: first, the defendant intended the work to be literal rather than figurative; second, the creative expression directly refers to the specific facts of the alleged offense; third, the expression is relevant to a disputed factual issue; and fourth, the expression provides probative value that cannot be obtained through other admissible evidence. Notably, the bill includes a provision allowing creative expression to be used in juvenile cases for evaluating mental health services or recommending diversion programs. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and represents an important protection for artists and performers who might otherwise have their creative works used against them in legal proceedings.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB1001?ys=2025RS