The state of Maryland approved the House Bill 214 in 2019, concerning victims and witnesses, U Nonimmigrant Status, and Certification of Victim Helpfulness.Maryland’s U Visa certification requires state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, child protective services, commission on civil rights, the department of labor and other state agencies responsible for the detection, investigation or prosecution of cases involving criminal activities to sign U visa certifications. The law requires certification when the victim has been, is being or likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of criminal activity. The agency shall complete the certification within 90 days and shall include details about the criminal activity, a description of the victim’s helpfulness, and provide copies of documents that help the victim prove substantial harm. If the victim is in removal proceedings the response to the certification request must be completed in 14 days. The law limits disclosure of information about persons seeking certification.