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SB 702

Correctional Services - Restrictive Housing

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joanne Benson and 3 co-sponsors

Maryland bill limits solitary confinement duration and requires enhanced oversight of restrictive housing use in state prisons.

Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 702

Legislative bill overview

SB 702 establishes new restrictions on the use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement) in Maryland correctional facilities. The bill limits the duration and circumstances under which incarcerated individuals can be placed in restrictive housing and requires enhanced oversight, documentation, and review procedures for such placements.

Why is this important

Restrictive housing has documented negative mental and physical health effects, including increased rates of self-harm and psychological deterioration. This bill addresses conditions that advocates argue violate human dignity and create rehabilitation barriers, while correctional administrators may argue present security challenges. The policy directly affects thousands of incarcerated Marylanders and shapes how the state's Department of Public Safety operates.

Potential points of contention

  • Duration limits vs. security concerns: Strict time caps on restrictive housing may conflict with correctional officers' ability to manage high-risk or violent inmates, potentially creating staff safety issues
  • Cost and implementation: Enhanced review procedures and documentation requirements could increase administrative burden and state spending on correctional operations
  • Definition disputes: The bill's specific criteria for what constitutes justified restrictive housing placement may be ambiguous, creating inconsistent enforcement or litigation risk

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

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