Bill > SB648

This bill modifies Maryland's medical parole law for incarcerated individuals serving sentences with the possibility of parole, specifically removing the Governor's ability to review and potentially block medical parole for individuals serving life sentences. Currently, when the Maryland Parole Commission decides to grant medical parole to a life-sentenced individual, the decision must be transmitted to the Governor, who can disapprove the decision within 180 days. Under this bill, that gubernatorial review process would be eliminated. The bill maintains the existing provisions that allow medical parole for individuals who are so chronically debilitated or incapacitated that they are physically incapable of presenting a danger to society. The medical parole request can be filed by various parties, including the incarcerated individual, an attorney, prison officials, medical professionals, or family members, and requires comprehensive medical and case management information for consideration. The Parole Commission can still impose conditions on medical parole, such as specific housing requirements and ongoing medical record submission, and can return an individual to custody if they are no longer considered incapacitated. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to streamline the medical parole process by removing the additional layer of gubernatorial approval.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0648?ys=2025RS