Maryland Senate Bill SB287

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/22
• Refer: 1/19/22

Caption

Correctional Services - Division of Parole and Probation - Definition of Absconding

Impact

The impact of SB287 on state laws is substantial as it redefines the conditions under which a person can be considered as absconding, thereby affecting how parole or probation violations are treated in cases involving mandatory treatment programs. By explicitly including the act of leaving a treatment facility without permission as a form of absconding, the bill provides correctional authorities with more tools to enforce supervision and ensure compliance with treatment mandates.

Summary

Senate Bill 287 is legislation that alters the definition of 'absconding' in relation to parole and probation in the state of Maryland. The bill expands the definition to include individuals who leave an inpatient residential treatment facility without permission from the facility's administrator. This is a significant modification aimed at enhancing the oversight of individuals in the correctional system who are undergoing treatment for issues such as substance abuse.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly concerning the balance between public safety and the rehabilitative intentions of treatment programs. Critics may argue that including noncompliance with treatment facility regulations as a form of absconding could lead to increased penalties that undermine rehabilitation efforts. There is a potential for disproportionate consequences for individuals who may have left treatment for legitimate reasons, highlighting debates about the fairness of legal definitions in the context of rehabilitation.