Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson is an advocate for fair and just laws. As such, he uses his voice and prosecutorial experience to weigh in on important issues affecting all Marylanders. As President of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association, Gibson plans to address members of the Maryland General Assembly to encourage them to change state laws as it relates to restoring trust in the criminal justice system, holding violent offenders accountable and enhancing the services for victims of crime. Here are some of the legislative bills our office has testified on behalf of (either for or against) in 2026:
Criminal Procedure – Expungement of Records – Good Cause (HB 0169/SB 0525)
Authorizing a person to file a petition for expungement of any misdemeanor or felony conviction a certain period of time after the completion of the sentence, parole, probation, and any other form of mandatory treatment; authorizing a court to grant a petition on a showing of good cause; and providing that a denial of a petition may not be appealed for a certain period of time.
Testified against/Referred to Committee
Public Health – Pregnancy Loss – Prohibited Actions (Pregnancy Outcome Protection Act) (HB 1131)
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 a creative expression in juvenile cases for the purposes of evaluating, recommending, or ordering referral to mental health services or diversion programs
Testified against/Referred to Committee