MD HB1309

Establishes a Commission to study disparate treatment of African Americans, Hispanics, and other non-White individuals across Maryland's criminal justice system, including policing, arrests, charging, pretrial detention, sentencing, and prosecution practices

Commission membership includes 2 state senators, 2 delegates, the Public Defender, Attorney General, representatives from the courts and State's Attorneys' Association, 4 public members with criminal justice advocacy experience, and Governor-appointed representatives from justice reform and victims' advocacy groups

Required to examine mandatory minimum sentencing impacts, felony murder doctrine modifications, increased judicial discretion at sentencing, race-neutral risk assessments, and programs to reduce prison populations while maintaining public safety

Must hold at least 4 public hearings, submit an interim report by October 1, 2027, and a final report by September 1, 2028 to the Senate Judicial Proceedings and House Judiciary Committees

Takes effect July 1, 2026 and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2029 (3-year duration)