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HJ 2

Criminal Law - Witchcraft - Exoneration

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Bagnall Tudball

Exonerates colonial Maryland witchcraft convictions, restores reputations, and issues a formal apology to descendants, without creating legal rights or payouts.

Hearing 3/10 at 3:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HJ 2

Summary — HJ 2: Criminal Law — Witchcraft — Exoneration

Status: Hearing scheduled 3/10 at 3:00 p.m.
Introduced: January 8–10, 2025 (pre-filed Oct. 28, 2024)
Type: House Joint Resolution (joint resolution)
Primary introducer in text: Delegate Bagnall. Database lists Larry Brewster as a primary sponsor.

Purpose

HJ 2 is a symbolic, restorative joint resolution that formally acknowledges and repudiates historical witchcraft prosecutions that occurred in the Province of Maryland prior to the American Revolution. It aims to exonerate those convicted or executed for “witchcraft,” restore reputations of others persecuted, and offer a state apology to descendants for the harm and continuing trauma.

Key provisions

  • Exonerates individuals who were formally convicted or executed for practicing witchcraft in the Province of Maryland prior to the American Revolution of all crimes related to witchcraft charges.
  • Restores the reputations and “good standing in Maryland” of persons who were indicted, forced to flee, banished, or acquitted, removing the “disgrace” attached to their names.
  • Issues an apology on behalf of the State to descendants of those indicted, convicted, or executed under the colonial government and acknowledges the trauma and shame inflicted on families and descendants.
  • Directs the Department of Legislative Services to forward a copy of the resolution to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.

The resolution includes historical findings noting at least seven accused/indicted persons, at least two convictions, and at least one execution in colonial Maryland; it attributes prosecutions to fear, superstition, weak legal protections of the era, and misogyny.

Who is affected

  • Direct subjects: People historically accused, convicted, or executed for witchcraft in colonial Maryland and their descendants. The resolution is declaratory and symbolic; it does not create compensatory entitlements or reopen criminal proceedings.
  • Broader: Historians, genealogists, and communities interested in historical redress and public apologies.

Fiscal and legal impact

  • Fiscal note: No direct effect on State or local finances; no small business impact.
  • Legal effect: Declaratory and restorative in nature. It does not amend the criminal code, create a claims process, or provide monetary relief.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Pre-filed Oct. 28, 2024; read first Jan. 8–10, 2025.
  • Assigned to House Rules and Executive Nominations and referred to the Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections.
  • Hearing scheduled for March 10, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
  • No prior similar legislation in the last three years; designated cross-file: none.

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

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