Bill > HB688

This bill, titled "Intercepted Communications - Penalty," proposes to change the classification of a specific offense related to the unlawful interception and disclosure of communications. Currently, violating the prohibition against willfully intercepting, attempting to intercept, or procuring someone else to intercept any wire, oral, or electronic communication, or willfully disclosing or using the contents of such communications knowing they were illegally obtained, is considered a felony. This bill, however, amends this law to reclassify the offense as a misdemeanor, meaning it would be treated as a less serious crime than a felony. This change would alter the potential penalties, which are currently imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both, for violating these communication interception rules. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0688?ys=2026RS