Bill > SB268

This bill establishes new protections for incarcerated individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities in Maryland's state correctional facilities by requiring that a "clinical professional," defined as a licensed mental health professional, assess new inmates for these conditions during intake. If such a disability is identified, the clinical professional can recommend that the individual not be placed in "restrictive housing"—meaning being kept in a locked room or cell for 22 hours or more per day, excluding certain situations like medical isolation or protective custody—for more than 15 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Correctional facilities are then prohibited from exceeding this 15-day limit for such individuals, unless they commit a "prohibited act," which includes serious offenses like causing severe injury or death, making imminent threats of serious harm, engaging in sexual coercion, extortion, inciting riots, possessing dangerous contraband, or escaping. This measure aims to prevent prolonged isolation for vulnerable individuals and will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0268?ys=2026RS