MD SB702

Redefines restrictive housing as confinement for 17 or more hours per 24-hour period (reduced from approximately 22 hours), excluding facility-wide emergencies and medical/mental health treatment in clinical areas

Limits restrictive housing to no more than 15 consecutive days and no more than 20 total days in any 60-day period, requiring placement be no longer than necessary

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, sensory impairments, or those perceived as LGBTQ+

Requires all restrictive housing units to create the least restrictive environment necessary for safety and security of incarcerated individuals, staff, and the facility

Mandates the Correctional Ombudsman review implementation status by October 1, 2027 and October 1, 2029, with authority to make unannounced visits, review daily logs, and conduct anonymous surveys, reporting findings by December 31 of those years