Bill > HB491

This bill, concerning criminal procedure in Maryland, prohibits law enforcement agencies from presenting victims of sexually assaultive behavior, or those who claim to be victims, with forms or making requests for verbal acknowledgement that aim to relieve the agency of its obligations, limit or define the scope of an investigation, prevent or limit prosecution, or restrict a victim's private legal action. "Sexually assaultive behavior" is defined by existing law, and a "victim" is broadly defined as anyone suspected of or claiming to have been subjected to such behavior. If a victim requests to limit or suspend an investigation, the law enforcement agency must document the request and follow up according to recommended practices. Violations can lead to legal action for injunctive or declaratory relief, and all law enforcement agencies are required to adopt policies to enforce these provisions by January 1, 2021, and submit them to a specific committee.