SB 162 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation

SB 162 repeals a deadline that previously prevented certain individuals from filing motions to reduce their prison sentences. It affects adults convicted as minors for crimes committed before their 18th birthday (and sentenced before October 1, 2021) or adults aged 18-25 convicted of non-violent offenses (not life sentences, sex offenders, or murder involving first responders). The bill removes the October 2021 cutoff, allowing eligible individuals to file motions regardless of when they were sentenced. If approved, courts must hold a hearing where the person can present evidence, and victims may submit impact statements without cross-examination. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Oct 22, 2025 Signed May 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation Third - Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to reduce their prison sentences. It adds a new category for those convicted as adults while minors and expands the age range for eligible adults, while simultaneously introducing stricter requirements such as a minimum 20-year imprisonment term and specific exclusions for certain violent crimes.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include minors convicted as adults and adults aged 25 or older, but eligibility is now conditional on serving at least 20 years and excludes those convicted of murdering first responders.
ELIGIBILITY

Added a new eligibility category for individuals convicted as adults for offenses committed when they were minors.

Extended the age eligibility range for adult offenders from under 25 to include those aged 25 and older.

REQUIREMENT

Established a new mandatory requirement that eligible individuals must have been imprisoned for at least 20 years.

Added provisions allowing the State to present evidence opposing sentence reduction motions.

EXEMPTIONS

Created a specific exemption preventing individuals convicted of murdering first responders from filing a motion to reduce their sentence.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 20, 2026

How they voted

470
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 49
Mar 3, 2026
D Democratic36
34 Yea 2
94% Yea
R Republican13
13 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
10
Committee
6
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 498
executive
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
Returned Passed
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Apr 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Judiciary
lower
Mar 20, 2026
Committee
Referred Judiciary
lower
Mar 20, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (100-36-6)
house of delegates
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Mar 16, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (47-0-2)
senate
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
upper
Oct 22, 2025
Introduced
Pre-filed
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Chris West
Chris West
RRepublican
MD
42