Bill > SB702

This bill makes significant changes to how restrictive housing (solitary confinement) is implemented in Maryland correctional facilities. It reduces the maximum time an incarcerated individual can be confined to a locked room from approximately 22 hours to 17 hours in a 24-hour period and establishes new protections for vulnerable populations. The bill specifically prohibits placing certain vulnerable individuals, such as those who are 21 or younger, over 55, have mental or developmental disabilities, are pregnant, or have serious medical conditions, in restrictive housing under any circumstances. For pregnant individuals, the bill creates strict guidelines that limit their placement in restrictive housing, requiring individualized assessments, medical monitoring every 8 hours, and documentation of why less restrictive options are not possible. The legislation also mandates that all restrictive housing units create the least restrictive environment necessary for safety, limits consecutive restrictive housing stays to 15 days and total stays to 20 days in a 60-day period, and requires ongoing review by the Correctional Ombudsman. The bill includes provisions for maintaining access to basic privileges like phone calls, visits, mail, and medical care for individuals in restrictive housing, with a particular focus on protecting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, with mandatory reviews of the implementation scheduled for October 2027 and 2029.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0702?ys=2025RS