Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 12, 2026

HB 1366: Family Law - Final Protective Orders - Duration

HB 1366 amends Maryland's family law to ensure final protective orders remain effective for the full duration of a respondent's probation. It directly affects victims seeking protection and respondents on probation, requiring courts to maintain all order provisions until probation ends. The key provision (Section 4-506(j)(3)) prohibits early termination of protective orders if a respondent is on probation when the order is issued or later placed on probation. This change replaces prior language governing order duration and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures protective orders remain effective during probation, protecting victims' rights and aligning with criminal justice reform by maintaining victim safety throughout probation periods.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

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passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 823: Correctional Services - Maryland Parole Commission - Members

SB 823 changes how Maryland Parole Commission members are appointed. It replaces the current process where the Governor appoints members with Senate approval, requiring instead a new panel to submit at least three nominees per vacancy. The panel includes specific officials (like the Public Safety Secretary and Public Defender) plus representatives from mental health, education, social work, community organizations, prisoners' rights, victims' rights, and the general public. This bill directly affects the Commission's membership structure and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reformulates parole appointments with prisoner/victim rights stakeholders, advancing equitable corrections oversight per reform indicators85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 944: Correctional Services - Reentry Readiness Program

SB 944 establishes a Reentry Readiness Program within Maryland's Department of Public Safety to assist individuals transitioning from incarceration. It requires the Department to collaborate with the Motor Vehicle Administration, Vital Records, and the Department of Labor to help "returning citizens" (those expected to be released within 90 days) secure job training, obtain birth certificates, and apply for photo IDs or driver's licenses. Key timelines include: 90 days before release for job training enrollment, 60 days for ID/license forms, and 30 days for verification of completed assistance. The program mandates concrete support to address immediate barriers to reintegration, effective October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates reentry program with job training, ID/birth certificate assistance to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides job training assistance and ID services for returning citizens through Department of Labor collaboration, directly advancing employment readiness and workforce integration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Workforce Development

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 759: Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation

HB 759 removes a time limit preventing certain individuals from filing motions to reduce their prison sentences. It directly affects adults convicted as adults for crimes committed when they were minors (before October 1, 2021) after serving 20+ years, or adults aged 18-24 convicted of non-violent offenses (excluding sex offenders or specific murders) after 20+ years in prison. The bill repeals a prior restriction, allowing these individuals to submit new motions to reduce their sentences, requiring court hearings where they may present evidence and victims may submit impact statements. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals time limit for sentence reduction motions for eligible offenders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing lengthy sentences for non-violent cases after long incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 815: Correctional Services – Maryland Correctional Enterprises – Report

SB 815 requires Maryland's Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), working with a Maryland university, to study prison industry programs in Maine, Ohio, Kansas, and California. The bill mandates an interim progress report by December 1, 2026, and a final report with improvement recommendations for Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) by December 1, 2027. These recommendations must focus on enhancing MCE programs to support successful prisoner reentry. The bill expires automatically on December 31, 2027, without needing further legislative action.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates study to enhance prison industry programs for successful prisoner reentry, directly supporting rehabilitation and criminal justice reform through program improvement recommendations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 61: Division of Correction - Volunteer Services Program

SB 61 establishes a Release Preparation Program within Maryland's Division of Correction to help formerly incarcerated individuals prepare for reentry. The program allows these individuals to access state correctional facilities to receive assistance with release planning. It amends the Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement Fund to include funding for this program, directing the fund to cover related costs. The bill requires participants to provide written schedules for facility visits, and prohibits denial of access unless it disrupts facility operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes reentry program for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through structured release planning and funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 285: Higher Education - Scholarships for Correctional Officers

SB 285 expands Maryland's existing scholarship program to include correctional officers. The bill amends state law to add "correctional officers" to the eligibility criteria for the Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship Program, which previously covered only police officers and probation agents. It defines "correctional officer" per Maryland law and allows current or future correctional officers to apply for tuition assistance if they meet residency, enrollment, and service obligation requirements. The scholarship requires recipients to work in the field for at least five years within eight years of graduation or repay funds. This change directly affects correctional officers seeking higher education in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands tuition assistance for correctional officers, directly supporting corrections workforce development within criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education scholarships to correctional officers, increasing funding access for a new group under existing program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Higher Education Student Financial Aid

died · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 97: Reentry and Reintegration Support Program - Establishment

SB 97 establishes a voluntary program to help individuals released from Maryland state prisons access essential benefits more smoothly. It requires the Departments of Human Services, Public Safety, and Health to create a coordinated system where correctional facilities assist "returning citizens" (those expected to be released within 90 days) in applying for SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, and Maryland Medical Assistance *before* release. Key provisions include a standardized prerelease application process, help obtaining required documents (like birth certificates and Social Security cards), and secure data sharing to ensure benefits are active upon release. The program must be implemented by October 1, 2026, with departments required to finalize a data-sharing agreement by April 2027. This directly affects people transitioning from incarceration to community life in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSB 97 creates pre-release assistance for SNAP, TCA, and Medicaid access, directly improving reintegration and reducing recidivism risk through essential support coordination.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires pre-release assistance for Maryland Medical Assistance enrollment, directly expanding healthcare access for returning citizens through coordinated application support.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill facilitates access to SNAP, cash assistance, and medical aid for returning citizens, removing barriers to reemployment and aligning with labor support indicators like expanding worker benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 414: Courts - Jury Service - Disqualification

HB 414 changes Maryland's jury service rules by removing a disqualification for people currently on parole or probation for crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Previously, individuals serving such sentences (including parole) were barred from jury duty, but this bill eliminates that specific barrier. The bill maintains disqualifications for crimes involving perjury, witness intimidation, jury intimidation, or certain offenses under Maryland's Criminal Law (Title 8). It also preserves requirements that jurors must understand English to complete qualification forms. This change would allow more people with past convictions to serve on juries, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves jury service disqualification for parole/probation, promoting reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 2, 2026

HB 438: Adult Prison School Board Model Development Committee

HB 438 establishes the Adult Prison School Board Model Development Committee to create a school board system for correctional education in Maryland's prisons and juvenile facilities. The committee, composed of state officials, correctional education representatives, and experts (including formerly incarcerated individuals and nonprofit advocates), must develop a funding and operational plan by June 2028, examining costs for staff, materials, and budget management. This procedural bill does not enact immediate policy changes but sets a timeline for recommendations to the Governor and legislature. It expires automatically on June 30, 2028, after its two-year study period.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes committee to develop correctional education programs in prisons, directly advancing rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through structured educational systems in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

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