MD SB752

Establishes a Commission to study racial disparities affecting African Americans, Hispanics, and other non-White individuals throughout Maryland's criminal justice system, examining policing, arrests, charging, pretrial detention, sentencing, and prosecution practices

Commission consists of 14 members including state legislators, the Public Defender, Attorney General, representatives from the courts, State's Attorneys' Association, Criminal Sentencing Policy Commission, public advocates, a justice reform nonprofit, and a crime victims' advocacy group

Department of Legislative Services, with academic assistance from University of Maryland or Morgan State University, will provide staff with expertise in data-driven criminal justice research

Commission must hold at least four public hearings, submit an interim report by October 1, 2027, and a final report by September 1, 2028, with recommendations on mandatory minimums, felony murder doctrine, judicial discretion, and prison population reduction programs

Act takes effect July 1, 2026, and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2029