Bill > SB735

This bill modifies Maryland's correctional laws to limit sentence reductions and pretrial release for individuals convicted of certain serious crimes, particularly violent offenses. Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals serving sentences for first-degree or second-degree murder from earning diminution credits that would reduce their term of confinement. For individuals convicted of crimes of violence, the bill restricts sentence reductions to no more than 10% of their aggregate sentence. The bill also significantly changes pretrial release rules, preventing judicial officers from authorizing bail for defendants charged with violent crimes if they have a pending violent crime charge or have been convicted of a violent crime within the past 10 years. These changes aim to keep potentially dangerous individuals in custody and ensure they serve more of their original sentenced time. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed after that date, ensuring it does not retroactively impact previously committed crimes.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0735?ys=2025RS