Bill > HB138

This bill amends Maryland law to classify a third-degree sexual offense as a felony if the crime is committed in connection with a burglary in the first, second, or third degree, which are offenses involving unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. This change specifically adds a new condition to the existing definition of a third-degree sexual offense, which already includes acts like sexual contact without consent when accompanied by threats, injury, or the involvement of another person. The bill also updates the definitions of "Tier I sex offender" and "Tier II sex offender" to include convictions related to this newly defined third-degree sexual offense under specific circumstances, such as when the victim is not a minor for Tier I, or when the victim is a minor of a certain age for Tier II. These amendments are intended to apply only to acts committed on or after October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0138?ys=2026RS