Testimony in Support of the Maryland Second Look Act
The Sentencing Project supports House Bill 853 and recommends an amendment that authorizes all persons who served at least 20 years to request a sentence reduction.
Related to: Sentencing Reform, State Advocacy
The Sentencing Project supports House Bill 853 and recommends an amendment that authorizes all persons who served at least 20 years to request a sentence reduction. Currently, House Bill 853 expands the Juvenile Restoration Act (JRA) to persons who were under 25 years of age at the time of conviction but excludes sentence reduction eligibility for persons who were convicted of sex-related offenses and persons sentenced to life without parole.
Implementing a more robust second look sentencing review process will create a more effective and efficient criminal legal system in Maryland that focuses resources on policies that enhance public safety rather than warehouse people who could otherwise be contributing members of our communities.
Read the full testimony submitted by Campaign Associate Warren Allen to the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
