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SB 463

Municipalities - Vagrancy - Repeal of Authority to Prohibit

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Muse

Maryland bill eliminates cities' authority to criminalize vagrancy, shifting homelessness response from criminal enforcement to alternative approaches.

Motion Special Order until 3/10 (Senator Smith) Adopted
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Bill Summary · SB 463

Legislative bill overview

SB 463 repeals municipal authority to enforce vagrancy ordinances in Maryland. Currently, municipalities can prohibit and penalize vagrancy under local law; this bill would eliminate that power statewide, preventing cities and counties from criminalizing homelessness or being without visible means of support.

Why is this important

Vagrancy laws have long been criticized as tools that disproportionately criminalize poverty and homelessness, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. This change would shift how Maryland municipalities address homelessness—potentially requiring different approaches through social services, housing programs, or other interventions rather than criminal enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue that repealing vagrancy laws removes tools municipalities use to maintain order in public spaces and address disruptive behavior
  • Local control vs. state mandate: Some local officials may resist state-level prohibition of local ordinances, viewing it as overreach into municipal governance
  • Implementation gaps: Questions about whether adequate social services and housing alternatives exist to address root causes of homelessness without criminal sanctions
  • Definitional issues: Debate over whether repealing vagrancy laws sufficiently addresses related ordinances (loitering, obstruction) that could be used similarly

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

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