Bill > SB296

This bill, effective October 1, 2028, significantly alters how juveniles arrested, convicted, or awaiting trial are handled by prohibiting their detention or confinement in any institution where they can see or hear incarcerated adults, and generally forbidding their holding in adult correctional facilities. While children can be temporarily held for processing in adult jails or facilities without secure juvenile areas for up to 6 hours, this is only permitted if they are kept separate from adults and includes transport time to the nearest juvenile facility. The bill also removes provisions that previously allowed for exceptions to juvenile detention in secure facilities based on capacity or risk of harm, and clarifies that children cannot be transported with adults charged with or convicted of crimes.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0296?ys=2026RS