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SB 484

Unhoused Individuals - Rights, Civil Action, and Affirmative Defense

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Muse

Maryland bill establishing legal rights and civil action remedies for unhoused individuals, including affirmative defenses in legal proceedings involving homelessness.

Hearing 2/06 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 484

Legislative bill overview

SB 484 establishes legal protections and rights for unhoused individuals in Maryland, likely including provisions for civil action and affirmative defenses related to homelessness. The bill appears designed to address discrimination or enforcement actions against homeless persons. A hearing is scheduled for February 6, 2025, in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Why is this important

Homelessness intersects with multiple legal systems—criminal justice, housing, public space usage—where unhoused individuals often face heightened enforcement or civil liability. This bill would create statutory protections that could shield homeless individuals from certain legal consequences or provide remedies when their rights are violated, potentially reducing criminalization of poverty-related activities.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of affirmative defenses: Unclear which specific charges or civil actions would qualify for homelessness-based defenses, and whether this could affect public safety enforcement (e.g., trespassing, loitering laws)
  • Municipal implementation: Cities and counties may resist provisions that limit their ability to enforce encampment ordinances or public space regulations
  • Definition and documentation: Defining "unhoused individual" and establishing evidentiary standards could create administrative burdens or disputes
  • Balancing competing interests: Tension between protecting vulnerable populations and addressing neighborhood concerns about public spaces

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

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