ChangeBridge / Maryland / SB475 Passed
SB475 Senate Bill
Passed
2026-03-23

Criminal Procedure - Evidence - Protecting Artists' Creative Expression (PACE Act)

Providing that the creative expression of a criminal defendant or juvenile respondent is not admissible against the defendant or respondent unless the court makes certain findings, subject to a certain exception; and providing that the Act does not preclude the admission of a creative expression in juvenile cases for the purposes of evaluating, recommending, or ordering referral to mental health services or diversion programs.

Bill Details

State

Maryland

Session

2026 Regular Session

Chamber

Senate

Official Source

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation...

LegiScan

View on LegiScan

Sponsors

Charles Sydnor (Sen - D)
Nick Charles (Sen - D)
Chris West (Sen - R)
Johnny Mautz (Sen - R)

Action History

2026-04-06 H Second Reading Passed with Amendments
2026-04-06 H Favorable with Amendments {433823/1 Adopted
2026-04-06 H Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
2026-03-24 H Referred Judiciary
2026-03-23 S Third Reading Passed (33-10)
2026-03-23 S Second Reading Passed
2026-03-23 S Favorable Adopted
2026-03-23 S Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
2026-02-09 S Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.
2026-02-09 S Hearing canceled
2026-02-04 S Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.
2026-02-02 S First Reading Judicial Proceedings

Votes

2026-03-23 Third Reading Passed Yea: 33 Nay: 10

Committee Referrals

2026-02-02 S Judicial Proceedings
2026-03-24 H Judiciary

Amendments

2026-04-06 Favorable with Amendments 433823/1 Adopted Adopted

Bill Text Versions

2026-02-03 Introduced
2026-03-23 Engrossed

Subjects

Criminal Law - Procedures Art, Music, and Cultural Affairs defendants Evidence Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Mental and Behavioral Health

Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)