HB 1309 establishes a Commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system, directly affecting African American, Hispanic, and other non-White individuals who experience disproportionate treatment. The Commission, composed of legislative leaders, public defenders, prosecutors, court officials, and community advocates, will examine disparities in policing, arrests, sentencing, and data collection. It will specifically assess cumulative impacts of disparate practices, mandatory minimums (including firearm offenses), and propose reforms like race-neutral risk assessments and expanded judicial discretion. The Commission must make recommendations by 2028, focusing on systemic changes to improve transparency and reduce racial inequities without implementing new laws itself.
HB 876 repeals a time limit that previously prevented certain individuals from filing a motion to reduce their prison sentence. It applies to people convicted as adults for crimes committed as minors (if sentenced before October 1, 2021) who have served 20+ years, or those convicted between ages 18-24 for non-violent crimes (excluding sex offenders and specific murders) who have served 20+ years. The bill requires courts to hold a hearing on such motions, allowing the individual to present evidence and victims to submit impact statements without cross-examination, with the individual required to attend in person or via video unless waived.
SB 752 establishes a 15-member Commission to study racial disparities in Maryland's criminal justice system. The Commission, appointed by legislative leaders, the Governor, and criminal justice stakeholders, will examine how African Americans, Hispanics, and other non-White individuals experience differences in policing, arrests, sentencing, and other system stages. It must study issues like mandatory minimums, risk assessment tools, felony murder doctrine, and data collection methods, then hold public hearings and submit recommendations. The bill does not change laws but creates a body to analyze systemic inequities and propose reforms. This affects all Marylanders interacting with the criminal justice system by directing a formal review of racial bias patterns.
HB 759 removes a time limit preventing certain individuals from filing motions to reduce their prison sentences. It directly affects adults convicted as adults for crimes committed when they were minors (before October 1, 2021) after serving 20+ years, or adults aged 18-24 convicted of non-violent offenses (excluding sex offenders or specific murders) after 20+ years in prison. The bill repeals a prior restriction, allowing these individuals to submit new motions to reduce their sentences, requiring court hearings where they may present evidence and victims may submit impact statements. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 84 allows defendants in specific criminal cases to present evidence that they were victims of domestic violence and that this violence significantly contributed to their crime as a mitigating factor during sentencing. It applies to defendants charged with certain violent crimes, drug offenses, human trafficking, or property crimes where domestic violence was a key factor, but excludes murder, sexual assault, and some other offenses. Defendants must prove this by a preponderance of evidence, and courts must consider it when determining sentences, potentially reducing sentences below mandatory minimums or guidelines. The bill does not create new crimes, change maximum penalties, or affect victims' rights, and it requires courts to explain their reasoning if domestic violence is considered.
SB 138 allows defendants in specific criminal cases to present evidence that they were victims of domestic violence and that this violence significantly contributed to their crime as a mitigating factor during sentencing or within five years for sentence modification. It applies to crimes of violence, drug offenses tied to coercion, human trafficking, and other crimes committed under domestic violence circumstances - excluding murder, sexual offenses, and certain abuse crimes. If the court finds domestic violence was a significant factor, it must treat it as a mitigating factor and may reduce sentences below mandatory minimums or sentencing guidelines. The defendant bears the burden of proof (preponderance of evidence), and courts must state their reasoning for decisions related to this factor.
SB 436 creates a legal pathway for minors convicted as adults in Maryland to be transferred to juvenile court under specific circumstances. It requires courts to transfer a minor to juvenile court if they have clear and convincing evidence the victim of the minor's offense previously committed a sex crime or human trafficking act against the minor within three months before the offense. If transferred, the juvenile court must then determine an appropriate juvenile disposition. This bill directly affects minors convicted as adults who are victims of recent sexual abuse or trafficking by the person they harmed, modifying sentencing rules to prioritize juvenile court oversight in these cases.
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.
