Bill > HB921

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, significantly limits when incarcerated minors can be placed in restrictive housing, which is defined as a separate confinement for disciplinary or other reasons. The Department of Juvenile Services (the state agency overseeing juvenile corrections) can no longer use restrictive housing solely for discipline, punishment, administrative convenience, retaliation, or due to staff shortages. Instead, a minor can only be placed in restrictive housing as a temporary measure if there's clear and convincing evidence of an immediate and substantial risk of harm to themselves, others, or the facility's security, and no other reasonable means exist to address the risk. This placement must be the least restrictive option necessary, for the shortest duration, and a plan must be developed to return the minor to general population housing as soon as possible, with a mental health screening conducted within one hour of placement. The bill also allows minors to request restrictive housing, but they can revoke this request at any time. Regardless of the reason for placement, minors in restrictive housing must receive the same access to privileges and services, including phone calls, visits, mail, food, water, showers, sanitary supplies, clothing, bedding, educational services, and medical, mental, and dental healthcare, as those not in restrictive housing, and maximized access to recreation, education, and programming unless it poses a safety risk.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0921?ys=2026RS