Correctional Services - Assessment of State Correctional System

HB 1157 requires Maryland's Office of the Correctional Ombudsman to hire an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state's correctional system by October 2026. The assessment must cover infrastructure (facilities, cell design, technology), staffing (ratios, training), programming (effectiveness, accessibility), health services (mental/physical care), and restrictive housing policies, while gathering input from stakeholders and incarcerated individuals through interviews and public hearings. The consultant must also provide a cost-benefit analysis of potential reforms and benchmark Maryland's practices against New York, New Jersey, and other leading states. The final report, including actionable recommendations and an implementation plan, must be submitted by October 2028. This bill directly affects the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman and the state correctional system by mandating a detailed, evidence-based review to inform future improvements.