In one paragraph
Maryland's HB 762 (2026, first reader text) would have added an exception to Criminal Procedure section 2-503 letting law enforcement use facial recognition technology on images captured by a camera affixed to a dwelling's exterior by the dwelling's owner or lawful tenant, 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 on a dwelling's exterior.
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 affixed to a dwelling's exterior by the owner or lawful tenant could be used with facial recognition to investigate first- and second-degree arson, first through fourth-degree burglary, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and several trespass offenses
- Dwelling: a structure any part of which is adapted for overnight accommodation, whether or not someone is present
- 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 (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 28)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bridges | Primary |
| Cardin | Primary |
| Chair, Appropriations Committee | Primary |
| Clippinger | Primary |
| Conaway | Primary |
Roll call votes
On Third Reading Mar 8, 2025
138 yea1 nay2 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
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