Although some efforts failed this year, there were many highlights. Bills that passed this session included:
- Marriage Should Not Be a Defense to Sex Crimes – Love is No Defense Act – HB4/SB129 – PASSED
- A series of bills to protect reproductive rights in Maryland:
- Statute of Limitations – Civil Child Sexual Abuse – HB1/SB686 – PASSED
- Safe Harbor for Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking – HB297/SB292 – PASSED
- Repeal – Unnatural & Perverted Sexual Acts – SB54/HB131 – PASSED
- Child Pornography – Streaming – HB233/SB226 – PASSED
According to MCASA: “During the 2023 legislative session, MCASA continued to advocate in Annapolis for the needs of sexual assault survivors and the programs that serve them. Experienced legislators led the way as long-standing priorities were finally passed and new initiatives met with success. First year lawmakers helped bring fresh energy to Annapolis, and everyone felt the spirit of working together to address the needs of all people in the State. The new Governor Wes Moore, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, and Comptroller Brooke Lierman all contributed to a strong legislative session. Chair Luke Clippinger continued to quietly and effectively ensure that the needs of sexual assault survivors and other victims were considered by the Judiciary Committee and Chair Will Smith took the lead helping to expand access to civil justice and in responding to the Dobbs decision to protect abortion access. MCASA is grateful to everyone who worked to improve public policy for sexual assault survivors.”