Signed by Governor Wes Moore

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes select incarcerated individuals serving lengthy prison sentences to have early release hearings before a judge in Maryland, effective October 1, 2025.

Highlights:

• Authorizes select incarcerated individuals serving lengthy prison sentences that meet the following criteria to have early release hearings before a judge in Maryland (Sec. 1):

• Was convicted as an adult for an offense committed when the individual was a minor;

• Aas sentenced for the offense before October 1, 2021;

• Has been imprisoned for at least 20 years for the offense;

• Was convicted of an offense committed when the individual was at least 18 years old but younger than 25;

• Was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole;

• Is not a sex offender; and

• Has been imprisoned for at least 20 years for the offense.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect October 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes select incarcerated individuals serving lengthy prison sentences to have early release hearings before a judge in Maryland, effective October 1, 2025.

Highlights:

• Authorizes select incarcerated individuals serving lengthy prison sentences that meet the following criteria to have early release hearings before a judge in Maryland (Sec. 1):

• Was convicted as an adult for an offense committed when the individual was a minor;

• Aas sentenced for the offense before October 1, 2021;

• Has been imprisoned for at least 20 years for the offense;

• Was convicted of an offense committed when the individual was at least 18 years old but younger than 25;

• Was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole;

• Is not a sex offender; and

• Has been imprisoned for at least 20 years for the offense.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect October 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes select incarcerated individuals serving lengthy prison sentences to have early release hearings before a judge in Maryland, effective October 1, 2025.

Highlights:

• Authorizes select incarcerated individuals serving lengthy prison sentences that meet the following criteria to have early release hearings before a judge in Maryland (Sec. 1):

• Was convicted as an adult for an offense committed when the individual was a minor;

• Aas sentenced for the offense before October 1, 2021;

• Has been imprisoned for at least 20 years for the offense;

• Was convicted of an offense committed when the individual was at least 18 years old but younger than 25;

• Was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole;

• Is not a sex offender; and

• Has been imprisoned for at least 20 years for the offense.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect October 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text