Bill > HB1011

This bill establishes protections for individuals housed in private detention facilities by prohibiting any deprivation of their constitutional or legal rights. Specifically, the bill defines a "private detention facility" as a facility owned or operated by a private entity under contract with a government entity to house or detain individuals. The bill empowers the Maryland Office of the Attorney General to investigate potential violations of these rights, granting the office broad investigative powers including issuing subpoenas, entering facilities, interviewing detainees, and compelling document production. If a violation is found, the Attorney General must notify the local county government and may file a civil action against the violator after conducting an investigation and making reasonable efforts to notify and allow correction of the violation. The bill allows courts to award economic and non-economic damages up to $25,000 per violation, and provides for injunctive relief to prevent ongoing rights violations. The legislation aims to ensure that individuals in private detention facilities are not stripped of their fundamental rights and provides a mechanism for legal recourse if such rights are infringed. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1011?ys=2025RS