Bill > HB450

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, modifies existing law to enhance the protection of victims of sexual assault and stalking in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases by requiring the redaction of their identifying information from court filings and records. Specifically, it defines "identifying information" to include names and any other details that could reasonably identify a victim of sexual assault or stalking, with "victim of sexual assault" referring to alleged victims of sexually assaultive behavior or specific crimes, and "victim of stalking" referring to alleged victims of stalking as defined by law. Unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence of good cause to do otherwise, courts and parties involved in these cases are prohibited from disclosing or allowing inspection of court filings or records to nonparties, except for the victim or their representative, unless all such identifying information has been removed. Furthermore, upon written request, courts are mandated to redact identifying information related to victims of sexual assault or stalking from existing filings and records.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0450?ys=2026RS