Bill > HB1123

This bill modifies Maryland's laws regarding parole for geriatric and medically impaired incarcerated individuals, introducing several key changes. The bill requires the Maryland Parole Commission to consider an individual's age when determining parole eligibility, with specific emphasis on how age impacts the likelihood of recidivism. For medical parole, the bill clarifies and expands the criteria, defining terms like "chronically debilitated or incapacitated" and "terminal illness" to provide more precise guidelines for when an individual might qualify. The legislation establishes new requirements for medical evaluations, risk assessments, and hearing procedures for potential medical and geriatric parole candidates. Notably, the bill removes the Governor's power to disapprove medical parole decisions for individuals serving life sentences and mandates that the Parole Commission provide annual reports on parole outcomes. The bill applies to incarcerated individuals who are at least 65 years old, have served at least 20 years, have no major disciplinary infractions, and are not sex offenders. Additionally, the legislation requires the Commission to prioritize conducting parole hearings for eligible individuals and aims to use any cost savings for risk assessments, parole hearings, and reentry support services.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1123?ys=2025RS