Maryland HB205 limits parole for certain violent criminals and removes legislative testimony from public access to protect victims' rights.

Maryland HB205 establishes that an incarcerated individual serving a life sentence for a sexual crime can only be considered for parole once. It mandates that the Commission make reasonable efforts to locate victims and notify them of parole consideration. If a victim, family member, advocacy group, or representative objects, parole is permanently denied. Additionally, it removes written and audiovisual records of testimony from the General Assembly’s website if requested by a victim, family, or representative of a crime of violence.

Maryland HB205 limits parole for certain violent criminals and removes legislative testimony from public access to protect victims' rights.

Maryland HB205 establishes that an incarcerated individual serving a life sentence for a sexual crime can only be considered for parole once. It mandates that the Commission make reasonable efforts to locate victims and notify them of parole consideration. If a victim, family member, advocacy group, or representative objects, parole is permanently denied. Additionally, it removes written and audiovisual records of testimony from the General Assembly’s website if requested by a victim, family, or representative of a crime of violence.