# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities

### Subtitle 4. Crimes Relating to Human Remains

#### Section 10-403

(a) This section does not apply to:

  (1) a person acting in the course of medical, archaeological, educational, or scientific study;

  (2) a licensed mortician or other professional who transports human remains in the course of carrying out professional duties; or

  (3) a person acting under the authority of:

    (i) Sec. 10-402 of this subtitle; or

    (ii) Sec. 4-215 or Sec. 5-408 of the Health - General Article.

(b) A person may not knowingly sell, buy, or transport for sale or profit, or offer to buy, sell, or transport for sale or profit:

  (1) unlawfully removed human remains; or

  (2) an associated funerary object obtained in violation of Sec. 10-404 of this subtitle.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

(d) The Maryland Historical Trust may appropriate all human remains and associated funerary objects obtained in violation of this subtitle for management, care, and administration until a determination of final disposition as provided by law.

(e) This section may not be construed to interfere with the normal operation and maintenance of a cemetery including:

  (1) correction of improper burial siting; and

  (2) moving the human remains within a cemetery with the consent of a person who qualifies as an heir as defined in Sec. 1-101 of the Estates and Trusts Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)