Maryland SB82: Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty

What the bill says

An act concerning Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty FOR the purpose of prohibiting a person with the intent to defraud another from creating, aiding in the creation of, or possessing a counterfeit lease of real property or rental agreement relating to real property; and generally relating to counterfeiting and possession of a counterfeit lease of real property or counterfeit rental agreement relating to real property…

From the enrolled text, May 19, 2026:

AN ACT concerning Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty FOR the purpose of prohibiting a person with the intent to defraud another from creating, aiding in the creation of, or possessing a counterfeit lease of real property or rental agreement relating to real property; and generally relating to counterfeiting and possession of a counterfeit lease of real property or counterfeit rental agreement relating to real property. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Criminal Law Section 8-601 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Criminal Law 8-601. (a) A person, with intent to defraud another, may not counterfeit, cause to be counterfeited, or willingly aid or assist in counterfeiting (2) check; (3) deed; (4) draft; (5) endorsement or assignment of a bond, draft, check, or promissory note; (6) entry in an account book or ledger; (7) LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY; (8) letter of credit; Ch. 550 2026 LAWS OF MARYLAND [(8)] (9) negotiable instrument; [(9)] (10) power of attorney; [(10)] (11) promissory note; [(11)] (12) release or discharge for money or property; (13) RENTAL AGREEMENT RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY; [(12)] (14) title to a motor vehicle; [(13)] …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Watson (D) · primary sponsor
• Jack Bailey (R, 29)
• Benjamin Brooks (D, 10)
• Nick Charles (D, 25)
• Dawn Gile (D, 33)
• Guy Guzzone (D, 13)
• Mike McKay (R, 1)
• Justin Ready (R, 5)
• Johnny Salling (R, SD-006)
• Chris West (R, 42)

Latest actions

1. May 12, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 550
2. April 6, 2026: Returned Passed
3. April 3, 2026: Third Reading Passed (119-0)
4. April 2, 2026: Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
5. April 2, 2026: Favorable Report by Judiciary
6. February 20, 2026: Referred Judiciary
7. February 19, 2026: Third Reading Passed (37-5)
8. February 17, 2026: Second Reading Passed with Amendments
9. February 17, 2026: Favorable with Amendments {193821/1 Adopted
10. February 16, 2026: Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

Votes

• Third Reading Passed (119-0) (April 3, 2026): 119 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading Passed (37-5) (February 19, 2026): 37 yea, 5 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB82?

SB82 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty.

What does SB82 do?

In its own words: An act concerning Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty FOR the purpose of prohibiting a person with the intent to defraud another from creating, aiding in the creation of, or possessing a counterfeit lease of real property or rental agreement relating to real property; and generally relating to counterfeiting and possession of a counterfeit lease of real property or counterfeit rental agreement relating to real property…

What is the status of SB82?

Signed into law as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 550 (May 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SB82?

Watson (D), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB82?

On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0082?ys=2026RS