Maryland HB631 increases penalties for threats against state and local officials, classifying such threats as felonies.

Maryland HB631 amends criminal law to enhance penalties for threats against state and local officials, including deputy State’s Attorneys, assistant State’s Attorneys, and assistant Public Defenders. The bill classifies such threats as felonies, punishable by imprisonment up to a certain number of years, a fine up to $5,000, or both. The definition of "threat" includes both oral and written threats, regardless of whether they are signed or unsigned. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maryland HB631 increases penalties for threats against state and local officials, classifying such threats as felonies.

Maryland HB631 amends criminal law to enhance penalties for threats against state and local officials, including deputy State’s Attorneys, assistant State’s Attorneys, and assistant Public Defenders. The bill classifies such threats as felonies, punishable by imprisonment up to a certain number of years, a fine up to $5,000, or both. The definition of "threat" includes both oral and written threats, regardless of whether they are signed or unsigned. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026.