Bill > SB241

This bill requires the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to work with the State Board of Elections to create a system for automatically restoring voter registration for individuals released from State correctional facilities, which are facilities operated by the State. By January 1, 2028, these agencies must develop procedures and an electronic process to achieve this. Subsequently, on a monthly basis, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will send a list to the State Board of Elections containing the full name, date of birth, the last four digits of a unique identifier (like a Social Security or driver's license number), the release date, and the new residential address of individuals released from State correctional facilities in the preceding month. Upon receiving this list, the State Board of Elections will identify individuals who were previously registered to vote and whose new address is within the State, and then promptly restore their voter registration at their new address, granting them active voter status. The bill also mandates that a voter notification card sent to these individuals will include a statement confirming their restored registration and eligibility to vote, along with instructions on how to update their address or decline registration. Importantly, the specific agency through which a formerly incarcerated voter registers will not be publicly disclosed, protecting their privacy. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0241?ys=2026RS