Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB687: Criminal Procedure - Evidence - Protecting Artists' Creative Expression (PACE Act)
Status: In committee, April 9, 2026
Providing that the creative expression of a criminal defendant or juvenile respondent is not admissible against the defendant or respondent unless the court makes certain findings, subject to a certain exception; and providing that the Act does not preclude the admission of creative expression in juvenile cases for the purposes of evaluating, recommending, or ordering referral to mental health services or diversion programs.
What the bill says
From the chaptered text, April 6, 2026:
HB0687/933027/1 BY: Judiciary Committee AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 687 (First Reading File Bill) On page 2, strike beginning with "THE" in line 18 down through "AND" in line 19 and substitute "THERE IS A CLOSE TEMPORAL AND FACTUAL NEXUS BETWEEN THE CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND THE ALLEGED OFFENSE;"; and in line 21, strike the period and substitute "; AND (4) THE PROBATIVE VALUE OF THE CREATIVE EXPRESSION OUTWEIGHS ITS PREJUDICIAL EFFECT.".
Sponsors
- Marlon Amprey (D, 40) · primary sponsor
- Adrian Boafo (D, 23)
- Gabriel Acevero (D, 39)
- Jackie Addison (D, 45)
- Christopher Bouchat (R, HD-005)
- Frank Conaway (D, HD-040)
- Debra Davis (D, 28)
- Elizabeth Embry (D, 43A)
- Kris Fair (D, 3)
- Robbyn Lewis (D, 46)
- Jeffrie Long (D, HD-027)
- Moreno (D)
Latest actions
- : Rereferred to Judicial Proceedings
- : Referred Rules
- : Third Reading Passed (100-36)
- : Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- : Favorable with Amendments {933027/1 Adopted
- : Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
- : Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
- : First Reading Judiciary
Votes
- Third Reading Passed (100-36) (April 7, 2026): 100 yea, 36 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB687?
- HB687 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Criminal Procedure - Evidence - Protecting Artists' Creative Expression (PACE Act).
- What does HB687 do?
- Providing that the creative expression of a criminal defendant or juvenile respondent is not admissible against the defendant or respondent unless the court makes certain findings, subject to a certain exception; and providing that the Act does not preclude the admission of creative expression in juvenile cases for the purposes of evaluating, recommending, or ordering referral to mental health services or diversion programs.
- What is the status of HB687?
- In committee as of April 9, 2026. Latest action: Rereferred to Judicial Proceedings (April 9, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB687?
- Marlon Amprey (D, 40), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB687?
- On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0687?ys=2026RS
Source: official Maryland record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.