Bill > SB713

This bill establishes that individuals found "not criminally responsible" for first or second-degree murder, and subsequently committed to the Maryland Department of Health, will not be eligible for discharge for a minimum period. This period is defined as the duration of the maximum sentence they would have received for the underlying murder charge, starting from the date of their commitment. The term "not criminally responsible" refers to a legal finding where a defendant, due to a mental disorder or intellectual disability at the time of the offense, is not held accountable for their actions. This change aims to ensure a longer period of commitment for individuals who have committed serious violent crimes but are not deemed criminally culpable due to mental health reasons, before they can be considered for release.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0713?ys=2026RS