MD SB823

Shifts appointment authority for the 10-member Maryland Parole Commission from the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services to the Governor, with Senate confirmation

Creates a nominating panel to submit at least three qualified nominees to the Governor for each commissioner vacancy

Nominating panel includes 15 members: criminal justice officials (Police Training Commission Executive Director, Public Defender, State's Attorneys' Association President), the Secretary of Public Safety, State Superintendent of Schools, social workers representative, three service providers, three general public members, and one advocate each for prisoners' and victims' rights

Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy will provide staffing support for the nominating panel

Effective date: October 1, 2026