BIPARTISANSHIP ALERT: Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act

Governor Hogan Thanks Members Of The General Assembly For Supporting Similar Common Sense Legislation
“This bipartisan proposal has been considered by the legislature for several years now, but amazingly has never passed. We want this year to finally be the year that this common sense measure is enacted into law.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 4, 2018

Governor Hogan Has Pushed For The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act

During The 2017 Legislative Session, Governor Hogan Introduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2017. (“Senate Bill 316,” Maryland General Assembly, 11/28/17; “House Bill 369,” Maryland General Assembly, 11/28/17)

Governor Hogan Reintroduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act As Part Of His Robust 2018 Legislative Agenda

Governor Hogan's Proposed Legislation, The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act, Would Allow A Court To Admit Evidence Of A Defendant’s Prior Sexually Assaultive Behavior During Prosecution For Certain Sexual Offenses Under Specific Circumstances. “The court may admit evidence of sexually assaultive behavior if the court finds and states on the record that: The evidence is being offered to: Prove lack of consent; or Rebut an express or implied allegation that a minor victim fabricated the sexual offense; The sexually assaultive behavior was proven by clear and convincing evidence; and The probative value of the evidence is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.” (“House Bill 353,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/23/18)
The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Is Sponsored By A Group Of 16 Bipartisan Senators And 46 Members Of The House Of Delegates. (“Senate Bill 298,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18; “House Bill 353,”Maryland General Assembly, 1/23/18)

Members Of The State Senate And House Of Delegates Are Introducing Similar Legislation As Governor Hogan

Senator Jim Brochin And Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary Are Introducing The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2018; Legislation Which Is Similar To Governor Hogan’s Proposed Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act. (“Senate Bill 270,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/18; “House Bill 301,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/18)
Legislation Sponsored By Senator Brochin And Delegate Atterbeary Includes The Same Provision As The Bill Introduced By Governor Hogan; Provision Allows A Court To Admit Evidence Of A Defendants Prior Sexually Assaultive Behavior During Prosecution For Certain Sexual Offenses Under Specific Circumstances. “The court may admit evidence of sexually assaultive behavior if the court finds and states on the record that: The evidence is being offered to: Prove lack of consent; or Rebut an express or implied allegation that a minor victim fabricated the sexual offense; The sexually assaultive behavior was proven by clear and convincing evidence; and The probative value of the evidence is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.” (“Senate Bill 270,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18; “House Bill 301,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18)

The Maryland Women's Caucus Support The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2018. “Great news! Just learned that the Maryland Women's Caucus just voted to support The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act of 2018, which I have introduced along with my friend and colleague Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, and being supported by Baltimore City State's Attorney Office and Marilyn Mosby, Esq.” (Jim Brochin, Facebook, 1/25/18)

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby Highlighted The Broad Support For This Measure; Noted That 37 Other States Have Adopted Similar Provisions. “In this 2018 legislative session fourteen different organizations, advocacy groups, legislative caucus, stand in solidarity for Maryland sexual assault survivors to say, ‘time’s up.’ Time’s up Maryland General Assembly. Time’s up allowing serial sexual predators and child molesters claiming consent to get away with it. Time’s up for protecting and promoting rape culture in Maryland. Time’s up with not conforming with thirty seven other states across the country.” (John Rydell, Twitter, 1/30/18)