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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland Prohibits Discharge for Individuals Found Not Criminally Responsible for Murder Until Maximum Sentence Expires
Last action · February 12, 2026: Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsor: Paul Corderman
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What This Bill Would Do
Establishing that a person committed to the Maryland Department of Health after a verdict of not criminally responsible for murder in the first degree or murder in the second degree is not eligible for discharge for at least a certain period of time from the date the person was committed.
The measure establishes a mandatory minimum duration of institutional commitment for specific violent offenses, overriding the prior standard where release depended solely on current mental health status and lack of dangerousness.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Individuals committed to the Maryland Department of Health after being found not criminally responsible for murder
They face a mandatory minimum period of commitment equal to the maximum sentence for the underlying crime before becoming eligible for discharge.
Key Facts
- A person committed to the Maryland Department of Health after a verdict of not criminally responsible for first-degree or second-degree murder is ineligible for discharge for at least the duration of the maximum sentence for the underlying crime.
- The mandatory minimum commitment period begins on the date the person was committed to the Maryland Department of Health.
- The Act applies only prospectively and has no effect on any commitment that occurred before the October 1, 2026 effective date.
- The Act takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this bill apply to?
Does this bill affect people already committed before October 1, 2026?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 12, 2026SenateHearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 6, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Judicial Proceedings
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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