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Bill

HB 1156

Correctional Services - Maryland Parole Commission - Members and Hearing Examiners

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Phillips

HB 1156 restructures Maryland's Parole Commission membership and hearing examiner qualifications, potentially reshaping how parole decisions are made statewide.

Hearing 3/27 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1156

Legislative bill overview

HB 1156 modifies the composition and operations of Maryland's Parole Commission by adjusting membership requirements for commissioners and hearing examiners. The bill appears to restructure qualifications, appointment processes, or duties related to parole decision-making bodies within the state's correctional system.

Why is this important

The Parole Commission directly determines whether incarcerated individuals are released before their sentences end, affecting thousands of Marylanders annually. Changes to commission structure, qualifications, or procedures can significantly impact parole grant rates, consistency of decisions, and public safety outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Qualification changes: If the bill lowers or raises professional requirements for commissioners/examiners, it could affect decision-making quality or equity in the parole process
  • Appointment authority: Shifts in who appoints commission members could influence parole philosophy (more lenient vs. stricter approaches)
  • Hearing examiner role: Modifications to examiner duties might affect due process protections or efficiency of parole hearings for applicants

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

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