MD HB467

Maryland Parole Commission annual reports must include data disaggregated by race on parole grants, denials (with reasons), administrative releases, hearings held, and parole-eligible individuals not yet granted parole.

Incarcerated individuals must receive copies of all documents used in parole determinations before hearings (changed from examining on request), and commissioners must publicly disclose their votes along with reasoning and justifications.

The Commission is prohibited from permanently denying parole; subsequent hearings must occur within 2 years for sentences of 10 years or less, within 3 years for sentences exceeding 10 years, and within 3-5 years for sentences exceeding 20 years for crimes against individuals.

Written reports on parole decisions must be issued within 14 days (reduced from 21-30 days) and must include reasoning, justifications, and the date of the next parole hearing if denied.

All parole hearings must be recorded, with recordings retained until 3 years after release/supervision completion; recordings must be made available to incarcerated individuals with victim information redacted, and presiding commissioners must state findings and justifications on the record.