HB 1308 — Crime of Violence: Medical Facilities & Places of Worship Penalty (Sacred Places Safety Act)
Status snapshot
- Introduced: November 13, 2024
- Committee hearing: March 11 at 1:00 p.m. (per notice)
- Sponsor(s): Delegates Alston et al. (Maryland)
- Proposed effective date: June 1, 2025
Purpose and intent
- To create an additional criminal penalty for committing a statutory “crime of violence” while in a medical facility or a place of worship, thereby enhancing protections for sacred and health‑care spaces.
Key provisions
- New offense: It is unlawful to commit a “crime of violence” (as defined in § 14‑101 of the Criminal Law Article) in a medical facility or place of worship.
- Definitions:
- “Medical facility” covers: health care facilities (per § 19‑114, Health‑General Article), public or private clinics/hospitals or institutions purporting to treat mental disorders, and agencies/clinics/offices under a local health officer or the Maryland Department of Health.
- “Place of worship” means a non‑residential location where more than one person assembles for religious or spiritual observance.
- Penalty: Violation is a felony. On conviction, the offender is subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years in addition to any penalty for the underlying crime of violence.
- Sentencing: The sentence under this provision may be imposed separately from—and either consecutive to or concurrent with—the sentence for the underlying crime.
Crimes covered (by reference)
- “Crime of violence” in § 14‑101 includes offenses such as abduction, first‑degree arson, kidnapping, murder/manslaughter (not involuntary), first‑degree rape, robbery, carjacking, first‑ and second‑degree sexual offenses, first‑degree assault, and certain attempts and related offenses.
Fiscal and operational impacts
- Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (DPSCS): Minimal general fund expenditure increase anticipated in out‑years due to longer incarcerations when the new penalty is applied. The number of additional convictions expected to be small.
- Local governments: Not anticipated to materially affect operations or finances.
- Small businesses: None.
Equity and enforcement notes
- Racial equity impact statement (DLS): Data sampled for similar location‑based offenses showed Black individuals were overrepresented among arrestees for crimes occurring at medical or religious facilities. The new penalty could maintain or potentially exacerbate existing racial disparities in arrests, charges, convictions, and incarceration unless enforcement practices address those inequities.
Context and relationship to current law
- Maryland law previously had no statute increasing penalties for committing a crime of violence specifically in medical facilities or places of worship, though separate statutes already prohibit obstructing access to medical facilities (§ 10‑204) and damaging religious property (§ 10‑302). The bill adds a location‑based sentencing enhancement as a distinct felony.
Procedural/timeline notes
- If enacted as drafted, the law would take effect June 1, 2025. Committee action and hearings noted above will determine any amendments and final passage.
