MD SB291

Individuals who have served at least 20 years of confinement may petition the court to reduce their sentence, with a maximum of three petitions allowed and a 3-year waiting period between filings

Courts must hold hearings and consider factors including the individual's age at offense, rehabilitation efforts, institutional compliance, participation in educational/vocational programs, victim statements, and trauma history

A rebuttable presumption that the individual is not a danger to the public applies if they have served 30 or more years or are at least 60 years old

State's Attorneys may file motions to reduce sentences for individuals who do not meet the 20-year requirement, providing an alternative pathway for reconsideration

The Act applies retroactively to anyone currently serving a sentence in Maryland and takes effect October 1, 2025