MD HB837

Establishes a Task Force to Study Forced Infant Separation From Incarcerated Individuals, with 15 members including legislators, state officials, a formerly incarcerated individual, family members of incarcerated individuals, and representatives from women's health, pediatric health, and prisoner rights organizations

Task Force must study the number of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals in Maryland prisons, the feasibility of creating dedicated space in prerelease units, and the impact of forced infant separation on mothers and children

Required to examine best practices from other state correctional systems regarding pregnant/postpartum inmates and visitation policies between incarcerated parents and their children

Final report with findings and legislative recommendations to reduce forced infant separation due to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026

Takes effect July 1, 2025 and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2027