Bill > SB105

This bill, known as Geri's Law, modifies existing Maryland law regarding sentence reductions and pretrial release for individuals convicted of or charged with certain violent crimes and offenses involving children. Specifically, it expands the categories of incarcerated individuals who are *not* eligible for "diminution of confinement," which refers to reductions in their prison term for good behavior or participation in programs. This includes those serving sentences for specific violent crimes, certain sex offenses involving child victims, and offenses related to controlled dangerous substances. The bill also limits the maximum number of days an incarcerated individual can earn off their sentence, particularly for those convicted of crimes of violence, capping it at 10% of their aggregate sentence for those crimes. Furthermore, it restricts pretrial release, meaning the ability to be released from jail before a trial, for defendants charged with crimes of violence who have prior convictions for similar offenses or have pending charges for violent crimes, with judges having more limited discretion in these cases. These changes are intended to apply only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date of October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0105?ys=2026RS