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HB 1123

Correctional Services - Geriatric and Medical Parole

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Bartlett and 11 co-sponsors

Maryland law now permits medically or terminally ill and elderly prisoners to petition for early parole release, reducing incarceration while raising public safety and victim impact concerns.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 103
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Bill Summary · HB 1123

Legislative bill overview

HB 1123 expands parole eligibility for incarcerated individuals by creating or modifying geriatric and medical parole provisions in Maryland. The bill allows prisoners with serious health conditions or advanced age to petition for early release through established parole procedures. It became law in April 2025 after passing both chambers with amendments.

Why is this important

Geriatric and medical parole programs affect correctional budgets, prison healthcare costs, and public safety considerations. They also impact individual cases—potentially allowing elderly or terminally ill inmates to spend final years with family rather than in custody. These policies reflect competing values: compassion/rehabilitation versus incapacitation and victim considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Whether release criteria adequately protect communities, particularly if serious offenders become eligible
  • Victim impact: Whether victims' families have sufficient voice in parole decisions and whether emotional or financial restitution is addressed
  • Medical determination standards: Who decides if someone is "medically" eligible and what conditions qualify, potentially creating inconsistent applications
  • Fiscal tradeoffs: Whether reduced incarceration costs offset increased community supervision/monitoring expenses
  • Definition scope: Whether "geriatric" age thresholds (typically 50-65+) are appropriately calibrated to actual medical vulnerability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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