Maryland HB907 amends criminal law to redefine third-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Maryland HB907 amends the criminal law to redefine third-degree assault and reckless endangerment. It specifies that offensive contact, which is nonconsensual physical contact a reasonable person would find offensive, is now a misdemeanor. The bill also clarifies that a physical injury resulting from a violation of § 3–203.1 is not a defense to a charge under that section. Additionally, it states that beliefs about a person's characteristics are not a defense to assault. The bill also modifies the charging requirements for reckless endangerment, ensuring that a specific charge is necessary.

Maryland HB907 amends criminal law to redefine third-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Maryland HB907 amends the criminal law to redefine third-degree assault and reckless endangerment. It specifies that offensive contact, which is nonconsensual physical contact a reasonable person would find offensive, is now a misdemeanor. The bill also clarifies that a physical injury resulting from a violation of § 3–203.1 is not a defense to a charge under that section. Additionally, it states that beliefs about a person's characteristics are not a defense to assault. The bill also modifies the charging requirements for reckless endangerment, ensuring that a specific charge is necessary.