MD HB1157

Office of the Correctional Ombudsman must engage an independent consultant by October 1, 2026 to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Maryland's correctional system

Assessment must evaluate infrastructure (facility layout, cell design, technology), staffing ratios and training, programming effectiveness, mental and physical health services, and restrictive housing practices

Consultant must gather input from stakeholders and incarcerated individuals through interviews, surveys, and public hearings

Assessment must include cost-benefit analysis, comparative benchmarking against New York, New Jersey, and other states, and an implementation plan with short-, mid-, and long-term recommendations

Final report due by October 1, 2028; Office must include assessment status and implementation progress in annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly