Maryland Senate Bill SB21

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Criminal Procedure - Sentencing - Primary Caretaker

Impact

If enacted, SB21 will amend existing laws related to criminal procedure and sentencing, potentially leading to a paradigm shift in how courts handle nonviolent crimes. The bill requires courts to make written findings regarding a defendant's status as a primary caretaker before imposing sentences that involve imprisonment. This could result in fewer nonviolent offenders receiving prison sentences and more individuals being placed in rehabilitative programs that support family unity and community connections.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 proposes significant changes to the criminal sentencing procedure regarding defendants convicted of nonviolent crimes. Specifically, it allows defendants to request that the court consider their status as a primary caretaker of a child or a vulnerable adult when determining sentences. The bill aims to create a pathway for more rehabilitative rather than punitive approaches in the judicial system for certain offenders, recognizing the impact of incarceration on families and communities.

Contention

The bill has spurred discussions regarding its implications for criminal justice reform, with proponents advocating for its potential to reduce the collateral consequences of incarceration on families. Opposition may arise from concerns that such measures could be seen as leniency towards criminal behavior, possibly undermining the deterrent effect of the criminal justice system. Additionally, discussions may surface on how these changes could impact the perception of accountability for nonviolent crimes and the balance between individual circumstances and societal expectations for justice.