MD HB1154

Redefines restrictive housing as confinement for 20 or more hours per day (reduced from approximately 22 hours) and limits placement to no more than 15 consecutive days and no more than 20 total days in any 60-day period

Prohibits placing members of vulnerable populations in restrictive housing for any period, including individuals under 22 years old, those 55 and older, pregnant or postpartum individuals, those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, serious medical conditions, significant sensory impairments, or those perceived as LGBTQ+

Requires individuals in restrictive housing to be offered at least 4 hours daily outside their cell, including time for programming and medical or mental health treatment

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

Requires the Correctional Ombudsman to review implementation status by October 1, 2028 and October 1, 2030, with authority to make unannounced facility visits, review daily logs, and administer anonymous surveys; effective October 1, 2026