MD HB647

Redefines restrictive housing as confinement for 17 or more hours per day (reduced from 22 hours), excluding facility-wide emergencies and clinical medical/mental health treatment

Limits restrictive housing to no longer than 15 consecutive days and no more than 20 total days in any 60-day period, with an exception of up to 48 hours for individuals who committed prohibited acts when the limit would otherwise be exceeded

Prohibits placement of vulnerable populations in restrictive housing for any period, including individuals 21 or younger, 55 or older, pregnant or postpartum, those with mental illness/developmental disabilities/serious medical conditions, and LGBTQ+ individuals

Defines prohibited acts warranting restrictive housing as serious offenses including causing physical harm, sexual assault, hostage-taking, riots, procuring deadly weapons, and escape attempts

Requires the Correctional Ombudsman to review implementation by October 1, 2027 and October 1, 2029, with authority to make unannounced facility visits and conduct anonymous surveys, reporting findings in annual reports