Bill > SB39

This bill introduces the Maryland Second Look Act, which allows individuals serving prison sentences to petition the court to modify or reduce their sentence under specific conditions. Specifically, a person must have served either 20 years without diminution credits or 25 years with diminution credits, and at least 5 years must have passed since any previous petition. For individuals sentenced as minors, the court must modify the sentence to potentially release the person within 3 years if they find the person has matured and rehabilitated. For those sentenced as adults, the court may modify the sentence if retention is not necessary for public protection. The bill requires a court hearing where the reasons for the decision must be stated on the record, and victims must be notified and given an opportunity to provide input. The State's Attorney must notify victims about the petition and potential hearing, and the petitioner is entitled to legal representation, including public defender services if they are indigent. Importantly, the court cannot increase the sentence and must provide an opportunity for the State's Attorney and victims to object. Either the petitioner or the state can apply for an appeal within 30 days of the court's order, and the act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0039?ys=2025RS