Bill > SB97

This bill establishes the Maryland Reentry and Reintegration Support Program, which will be jointly administered by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the Maryland Department of Health. The program aims to provide coordinated assistance to individuals who are incarcerated in a state correctional facility and are expected to be released within 90 days, referred to as "returning citizens." This assistance will involve helping them apply for "covered benefits," which include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance, and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, before their release date. The program will include a voluntary and standardized prerelease application process, with program staff in correctional facilities helping participants complete and submit necessary applications and documentation. The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will also help returning citizens obtain required verifications, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards, at no cost to them, to ensure they have these documents upon release. To implement this, the departments must enter into a memorandum of understanding by April 1, 2027, establishing a secure data sharing process to facilitate timely application processing, verify identity and eligibility, and ensure benefits are active immediately upon release, with all data shared used solely for program administration and subject to applicable laws.

Justice

Judicial Proceedings (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0097?ys=2026RS