Bill > HB1018

This bill requires the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services to establish minimum mandatory standards for the care, custody, and conditions within immigration detention facilities, which are defined as any facility housing individuals for federal civil immigration violations, and also expands the scope of the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards to include these facilities. The bill mandates that these minimum standards, covering areas like security, safety, food services, housing, sanitation, individual rights, and administrative record-keeping, will apply to all correctional facilities (facilities for adults charged with or found guilty of a crime) and immigration detention facilities located in the state. It also outlines procedures for reporting violations, including anonymous reporting and requirements for certain professionals like licensed healthcare practitioners and security guards to report violations or breaches of system security, with penalties for retaliation against whistleblowers. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual certifications from facilities regarding utilities, emergency power, and operational plans, and strengthens the Commission's enforcement powers, including the ability to order the cessation of operations for facilities found to be life-threatening or health-endangering, and allows for legal action and civil penalties against private entities that fail to comply.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1018?ys=2026RS