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HB 1107

Juvenile Law - Confinement and Restrictive Housing - Limitations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 7 co-sponsors

Maryland HB 1107 restricts solitary confinement and restrictive housing for juveniles, limiting isolation-based punishments in detention facilities to protect young people's mental and physical health.

Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1107

Legislative bill overview

HB 1107 limits the use of confinement and restrictive housing practices for juveniles in Maryland's detention and correctional facilities. The bill establishes restrictions on solitary confinement, segregation, and similar restrictive measures for young people in the criminal justice system. It aims to protect juvenile welfare by reducing isolation-based punishments that research suggests cause psychological harm.

Why is this important

Solitary confinement and restrictive housing of juveniles has been linked to increased rates of self-harm, suicide, and long-term psychological damage according to medical and psychiatric research. Maryland's approach could serve as a model for other states and reflects a broader national shift in juvenile justice toward rehabilitation-focused practices rather than punitive isolation.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility safety concerns: Correctional staff and administrators may argue that restrictions on segregation limit their ability to manage dangerous behavior or protect other incarcerated youth
  • Definition and scope: Disputes may arise over what constitutes "restrictive housing" and whether certain security measures fall under prohibited practices
  • Implementation costs: Facilities may need to invest in alternative behavior management approaches, training, and potentially infrastructure changes to comply with new requirements

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

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