Correctional Services - Medical Parole - Life Imprisonment

HB 311 repeals the requirement for the Governor to approve medical parole decisions for incarcerated individuals serving life sentences. It directly affects people in Maryland prisons who have severe, chronic medical conditions making them physically incapable of posing a safety risk. The key change removes the Governor’s 180-day review period (previously required under Section 7-309(i)), allowing the Maryland Parole Commission to make final decisions on medical parole without gubernatorial oversight. The bill updates the process so the Commission’s approval becomes effective immediately, streamlining release for eligible individuals while maintaining existing medical evaluation and safety review standards.