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House votes to repeal municipal vagrancy authority amid civil‑liberties debate

House of Delegates of Maryland · February 20, 2026

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Summary

The House approved HB 432 to repeal municipalities' authority to prohibit 'vagrancy,' with sponsors arguing the term is vague and has a history of discriminatory enforcement. Opponents asked whether the repeal would limit municipalities’ ability to address encampments; sponsors said it would require clearer, specific prohibitions rather than criminalizing a state of being.

Annapolis — The House of Delegates voted on Feb. 15 to repeal municipal authority to prohibit "vagrancy," sending House Bill 432 to the next stage after debate about definition and enforcement.

Supporters said the term "vagrancy" is…

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