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HB 329

Criminal Law - School Resource Officers - Prohibition on Sexual Activity with Students

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kris Fair and 3 co-sponsors

HB 329 creates a criminal offense prohibiting school resource officers from engaging in sexual activity with students, strengthening protections for vulnerable youth in educational settings.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 452
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Bill Summary · HB 329

Legislative bill overview

HB 329 explicitly prohibits school resource officers (SROs) from engaging in sexual activity with students and establishes this as a criminal offense under Maryland law. The bill creates a specific statutory prohibition addressing a gap in existing protections by directly criminalizing such conduct by law enforcement personnel assigned to schools.

Why is this important

School resource officers hold positions of authority and trust within school environments where students are particularly vulnerable. While sexual abuse by SROs may be prosecutable under existing statutes, this bill creates a direct, unambiguous criminal standard specific to this role, potentially simplifying prosecution and strengthening accountability. It sends a clear policy message about prohibited conduct in school settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition: Whether the bill adequately defines "sexual activity" and whether it covers all problematic conduct (grooming, solicitation, exposure) or only completed acts
  • Redundancy concerns: Critics may argue existing criminal statutes (assault, sexual abuse) already cover this conduct, raising questions about whether a separate statute is necessary or creates unintended legal complications
  • Definitional clarity for SROs: Potential debate over whether the prohibition applies only during school hours, on school property, or in all contexts where the officer's authority position creates vulnerability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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