Bill > HB224

This bill establishes the Maryland Reentry and Reintegration Support Program, a joint initiative by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the Maryland Department of Health, to assist individuals who are incarcerated in state correctional facilities and are expected to be released within 90 days, referred to as "returning citizens." The program will offer a voluntary and standardized prerelease application process for "covered benefits," which include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance, and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Program staff within correctional facilities will help participating returning citizens complete and submit applications, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will assist in obtaining necessary verifications, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards, at no cost to the individual. To facilitate this, the departments will enter into a memorandum of understanding by April 1, 2027, to establish a secure data sharing process to ensure timely processing of applications and that benefits are active immediately upon release. This Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0224?ys=2026RS