HB563Introduced in the House of Delegates
Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against
Introduced by Dylan Behler, District 30
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Repealing the prohibition against intentionally inflicting bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit; prohibiting a person from harassing, interfering with, injuring, or killing or causing serious physical injury to an emergency response animal; and establishing that a person who violates the Act is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment for up to 2 years, or a fine of up to $10,000, or both upon conviction.
Where it stands
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 402
May 12, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Third Reading Passed · April 10, 2026
133
Yes
0
No
8
Absent or Not Voting
141 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Buckel | 1 | Yes |
| Terry Baker | 1 | Yes |
| Jim Hinebaugh | 1 | Yes |
| William Wivell | 2 | Yes |
| William Valentine | 2 | Yes |
| Matthew Schindler | 2 | Yes |
| Ken Kerr | 3 | Yes |
| Kris Fair | 3 | Yes |
| Karen Simpson | 3 | Yes |
| Barrie Ciliberti | 4 | Absent |
Bill history
First Reading Judiciary
Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
Favorable with Amendments {953127/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (125-0)
Referred Judicial Proceedings
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
Favorable with Amendments {403227/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Motion Special Order until 4/9 (Senator Henson) Adopted
Motion Special Order until Next Session (Senator Henson) Adopted
Floor Amendment {733720/1 (Senator Henson) Adopted
Third Readings Passed with Amendments (44-0)
House Concurs Senate Amendments
Third Reading Passed (133-0)
Passed Enrolled
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 402
Verify the information
- Official page on the Maryland Legislature website
- Favorable with Amendments 953127/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Favorable with Amendments 403227/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Floor Amendment 733720/1 (Senator Henson) Adopted (amendment)
- Vote - House - Committee - Judiciary (supplement)
- Vote - Senate - Committee - Judicial Proceedings (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
- Enrolled (text)
- Chaptered (text)
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