2027 Legislative Priorities
for Criminal Justice Reform in Maryland
GENERAL: (*Note: Until 2027 Session begins, all bill numbers are from 2026 )
- Commission on Racial & Geographic Disparities in Maryland’s Criminal Justice System – HB1309 / SB 762
- PATH Act (“Providing Alternatives Through Healing” for justice-involved individuals) would permit consideration of sexual & other abuse for those induced to participate in crime by abusers – HB 84 / SB 138
FRONT DOOR:
- Third Degree Assault would reduce possible penalties for assaults that cause no injury and involve no weapons. HB 907 / SB 514
- District Court Commissioner would not initially issue an arrest warrant for charges sought by non-police citizens, unless facts show “danger to a person or the community” and State’s Attorney concurs to request the warrant. HB 336
BEHIND THE WALLS:
- Deaths in custody. The goal is simple: when someone dies in state custody, Maryland should know what happened, whether the death could have been prevented, and what must change to prevent another death.
- Second Look Act amendment would permit offenders originally under age 25 to seek modification of life without parole sentence after serving 20 or more years with certain conditions.
- Budget needs: Maryland needs additional correctional officers. Too few officers impedes education, treatment, job-training & more; implement emerging adults program; expand peer mentors.
BACK DOOR:
- Clean Slate Act. 1 in 4 Marylanders have some sort of criminal record, but only 2% succeed with expungements, due to the State’s burdensome process. Research shows that after 5–7 years without reoffending, individuals with records pose no greater public safety risk than the general population. This bill would automatically expunge many offenses (excluding domestic violence and assaults) after a number of years. HB360 / SB483
FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit www.ma4jr.org/legislation-2026/
