Senate Bill 454: Criminal Law - Child Kidnapping for the Purpose of Committing a Sexual Crime

Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 11-305 (Abduction of a child under 16 years old) is currently a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $5,000 or both. This bill elevates the offense to a felony and increases the possible penalty to 25 years of imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both. Individuals found guilty of prostituting a minor should be subject to the same penalties as those found guilty of trafficking a minor.

This law will go into effect October 1, 2014.