The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) supports legislation that promotes justice for survivors of sexual violence, accountability for offenders, and protection for the general public. MCASA responds to policy questions and legislative initiatives throughout Maryland's legislative session (January-April). Priorities and Bills of Interest continue to develop as bills are introduced.
Rape Crisis Center Funding
Chief among MCASA’s responsibilities is to ensure that sexual assault survivors and the programs that serve them have critical resources.We are mindful of the budget issues the State of Maryland faces, however, the impact of threats to federal funding, decreased state support for survivors with untested rape kits, continued inflation, and reduced private funding present significant fiscal challenges for sexual assault programs. Additional state funding cuts would be devastating. Programs are seeing an increase in demand. Former federal workers no longer have access to private services. Workforce changes have drastically increased the cost of providing services. MCASA advocates for full funding for the services that help support survivors and hold offenders accountable.
This year’s budget proposal from Moore Administration includes flat funding for the Victim of Crime Act programs, and continues funding for the Rape Kit Testing fund. It does not include the $1 million grant for rape crisis centers administered by MCASA or the companion $1 million for domestic violence programs. MCASA will advocate to restore these funds, which have been especially important during the federal uncertainty.
Stop Silencing Survivors – Litigation Abuse – SB295/HB465
Sexual assault continues to be one of the most under-reported and under-prosecuted crimes in America. In Maryland and across the country, abusers are using retaliatory lawsuits to silence those who speak out about sexual violence. Survivors are being subjected to expensive, retraumatizing, and drawn-out litigation and some are discouraged from ever speaking out. This bill would help balance access to justice by providing additional protection from litigation for survivors who disclose sexual assault in good faith, while preserving the right to sue for intentional or reckless disclosure of false information or malicious allegations of assault. Lead Sponsors: Senator Sara Love and Delegate Elizabeth Embry.
Grooming & Persons In Authority – HB501/SB407
A bill to clarify the law prohibiting persons in authority from having sexual contact with children under their supervision, increase penalties when the victim is under 13, and ensure laws against sexual solicitation of a minor apply to persons in authority seeking to sexually fondle children. Lead Sponsors: Senator Dawn Gile and Chair Sandy Barlett.
Interception of Communications – HB132
Allowing an exception to the prohibition against making an audio recording of another person without their consent. There have been cases where rape survivors have recorded the crime and the recording was both inadmissible and the survivor is exposed to felony charges for violating the wiretap law. The current law is a barrier to justice and deprives courts of crucial evidence. A number of different approaches are being considered to balance privacy concerns with the need to have access to important evidence. Lead Sponsor: Delegate Robin Grammer.
Burglary and 3rd Degree Sexual Offense – HB138/SB230
This increases penalties for sex offenders who have “sexual contact” (touching) with a victim during a burglary in the first, second, or third degree. This corrects an anomaly in the law where burglary is an aggravating factor in cases involving penetration, but not sexual touching. Lead Sponsors: Delegate Nicole Williams, Chair Sandy Bartlett and Senator Chris West.
Protection of Identity of Victims of Sexual Assault or Stalking – SB294/HB450
This bill will require that the Judiciary redact and shield victims’ names and identifying information in court documents automatically, without a special request. This will help preserve victim and survivor privacy and safety. Lead Sponsors: Delegate Michele Guyton and Senator Sara Love.
Protection of Students from Sexual Exploitation in Schools – SB81/HB329
This bill will close a loophole in Maryland’s sexual offense statute by prohibiting sexual conduct between a school resource officer (SRO) and any student at the school to which the officer is assigned, recognizing the inherent power imbalance and duty of care owed to students. Lead Sponsors: Senator Bill Folden and Delegate Karen Simpson.
Protective Orders: Timing of Hearings and Relief for Financial Loss – HB497/SB433
This bill would increase the time between a temporary protective order and the hearing on the final protective order, putting Maryland in line with the majority of states. It would also clarify that relief available includes reimbursement for costs associated with the abuse, such as repairing doors or replacing cell phones. Lead Sponsors: Senator Sara Love and Delegate Karen Simpson.
Comprehensive Rehabilitative Prerelease Services-Female Incarcerated Individuals (The Monica Cooper Prerelease Act) – SB187/HB-tbd
This bill will require specific procurement processes for the construction of a prerelease facility for women including to provide comprehensive rehabilitative services. The majority of women who are incarcerated are survivors of sexual assault. Lead Sponsors: Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield and Senator Mary Washington.
Maryland Reproductive Justice and Pregnancy Outcome Protection Act
This bill would prevent the criminalization of people for pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or self-managed abortion. Almost 3 million women in the US have experienced rape related pregnancy. Abortion care is vital for survivors. Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lesley Lopez.
Prescription Drug Privacy Act
Providers greater privacy protections for data on abortion and gender-affirming care medications to protect both providers and patients. Access to abortion care is vital for survivors. Lead Sponsor: Vice Chair Bonnie Cullison.
Read the full list of MCASA's 2026 Legislative Priorities & Bills of Interest.
