summary
Introduced
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Authorizing a person to petition for a protective order against another person who the petitioner alleges has engaged in controlling or coercive behavior toward the petitioner; and defining "coercive control" as a pattern of emotional or psychological manipulation, maltreatment, threat of force, or intimidation used to compel an individual to act, or refrain from acting, against the individual's will.
AI Summary
This bill expands the definition of "abuse" in Maryland's Family Law to include "coercive control," which is defined as a pattern of emotional or psychological manipulation, mistreatment, threat of force, or intimidation used to compel an individual to act or refrain from acting against their will. This new category of abuse encompasses actions like isolating someone from support, depriving them of basic necessities, controlling their movements or finances, compelling them to act through threats (including those related to immigration status), or controlling their reproductive autonomy. The bill allows individuals to petition for protective orders based on this coercive control, aiming to provide legal recourse for victims of this specific form of abuse, and the changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (11)
Susan McComas (R)*,
Lauren Arikan (R),
Terry Baker (R),
Barry Beauchamp (R),
Jason Buckel (R),
Brian Chisholm (R),
Barrie Ciliberti (R),
April Fleming Miller (R),
Kevin Hornberger (R),
Todd Morgan (R),
William Wivell (R),
Last Action
First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations (on 02/13/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1586?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1586f.pdf |
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