Bill > HB1107

This bill establishes strict limitations on the use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement) for minors in correctional facilities. The bill prohibits placing a minor in restrictive housing solely for disciplinary, administrative, or retaliatory purposes. A minor may only be placed in restrictive housing as a temporary measure if there is a clear and convincing evidence of an immediate, substantial risk of physical harm to the minor, other incarcerated individuals, staff, or facility security, and only after exhausting all other reasonable alternatives. The placement must be for the shortest time possible, not exceeding 6 hours, and must include a prompt mental health screening within one hour. The bill requires facility staff to develop a plan to return the minor to the general population as quickly as possible and provides options for follow-up care, such as mental health services, specialized programming, or transfer to appropriate facilities. Additionally, the bill allows a minor to request restrictive housing and revoke that request at any time. The legislation also mandates that minors in restrictive housing maintain access to standard facility services and programming. Furthermore, the bill prohibits detaining or transporting minors with adult offenders and requires specific court procedures for managing juvenile offenders approaching the age of 18. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1107?ys=2025RS