In one paragraph
Maryland's HB 756 (2026, first reader text) would have added an exception to Criminal Procedure section 2-503 letting law enforcement use facial recognition technology on still or video images captured by a camera inside a dwelling to investigate arson, burglary and trespass offenses. It had a House Judiciary hearing set for February 24, 2026 and died when the 2026 session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and did not become law. It would have widened the crimes for which police could use facial recognition on images from cameras inside a dwelling.
Key provisions
- Would have amended Criminal Procedure section 2-503: new paragraph (a)(2), with (a)(1) (the existing list of crimes and limits) beginning "Except as provided in paragraph (2)"
- Images captured by a camera inside a dwelling (a structure any part of which is adapted for overnight accommodation) could be used with facial recognition to investigate first- and second-degree arson, first-, third- and fourth-degree burglary, trespass on posted property and wanton trespass on private property
- Existing rules not changed by the bill include that facial recognition results may not be introduced as evidence in a criminal trial and must be independently verified by trained personnel
- Section 2-503(c)(2) amended so evidence from violations of (a)(1) or (a)(2) may be used for section 2-502 purposes if a legally valid exclusionary-rule exception applies
- The bill sets no separate penalty or enforcement mechanism; it would have taken effect October 1, 2026
Latest legislative action
Feb 5, 2026. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.; died when the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 session ended April 13, 2026
Sponsors (showing 5 of 54)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Adams | Primary |
| Alston | Primary |
| Anderton | Primary |
| Arikan | Primary |
| Bagnall | Primary |
Roll call votes
On Third Reading Feb 27, 2025
137 yea0 nay4 otherPassed
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error