MD HB16

Maryland Parole Commission membership increases from 10 members to 15-20 members, with commissioners appointed by the Governor from nominees selected by a 12-member panel including the Public Defender, State's Attorneys' Association president, service providers, educators, and prisoners' rights advocates

The authority for the Secretary to appoint hearing examiners to conduct parole hearings is eliminated; all parole release hearings must now be conducted by commissioners rather than hearing examiners

Panel nomination requirement applies only to initial commissioner appointments, not to reappointments of sitting commissioners for consecutive terms

Funds previously budgeted for hearing examiner salaries are directed to be re-budgeted for parole commissioner salaries

Effective date: October 1, 2026