All Roll Calls
Yes: 277 • No: 203
MarylandHB 10172026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Correctional Services - Private Detention Facilities - Zoning Requirement
Sponsored By: Melissa Wells (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
CorrectionsApplicants and ApplicationsAttorney GeneralCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsConstructionCorrectional Institutions -see also- Patuxent InstitutionCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Emergency BillsFederal GovernmentImmigrants and Citizenship -see also- ResidencyIncarcerated IndividualsMaryland-National Capital Park and Planning CommissionMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPrivatizationReal PropertyZoning and Planning
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Fines and enforcement on private operators
The Attorney General can sue to stop illegal private detention facilities. Courts can issue orders to block violations. A private company that breaks this law can be fined up to $10,000 for each day the violation continues. These penalties make noncompliance very costly.
Ban on private detention centers
The law bans the state and local governments from approving any private detention center. Private companies cannot run or occupy buildings as detention centers. A “detention facility” includes immigration detention, but not licensed hospitals or child care programs whose main job is care, treatment, education, or rehab. A site counts as proposed for detention if people would not be free to leave, or if it has secure fences, controlled entry, or locked holding areas. The law takes effect immediately.
Backup zoning rules for immigration detention
The law sets backup rules for private immigration detention if a court finds the main ban unenforceable. In that case, a site must be in a zoning district that expressly allows private detention; general institutional zoning does not count. Before creating such zoning, the government must give at least 120 days’ notice, hold at least two public meetings, and review plans, nearby uses, and infrastructure. A private operator must also get a use‑and‑occupancy approval or a change of use before opening. Past contracts for immigration detention are covered by these limits, even if signed before the law. These backup rules start when the Department of Legislative Services receives notice from the Attorney General, but only if that notice arrives by December 31, 2029. If no notice arrives by that date, the backup rules are void.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Melissa Wells
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Charlotte Crutchfield
Democratic • House
Kris Fair
Democratic • House
Kenneth Kerr
Democratic • House
Mary A. Lehman
Democratic • House
Sheila Ruth
Democratic • House
Matthew J. Schindler
Democratic • House
Jared Solomon
Democratic • House
Vaughn Stewart
Democratic • House
Jen Terrasa
Democratic • House
Chao Wu
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/11/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 95 • No: 36 • Other: 10
Senate vote • 4/10/2026
Floor Amendment {543027/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected
Yes: 17 • No: 25 • Other: 5
Senate vote • 4/10/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 32 • No: 10 • Other: 5
House vote • 2/26/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 98 • No: 36 • Other: 2
House vote • 2/25/2026
Floor Amendment {753729/1 (Delegate Griffith) Rejected
Yes: 35 • No: 96 • Other: 10
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 173
4/28/2026Passed Enrolled
4/11/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (95-36)
4/11/2026HouseHouse Concurs Senate Amendments
4/11/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (32-10)
4/10/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
4/10/2026SenateFloor Amendment {543027/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected (17-25)
4/10/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {933024/1 Adopted
4/10/2026SenateMotion Laid Over (Senator Ready) Adopted
4/10/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {933024/1
4/10/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
4/10/2026SenateReferred Judicial Proceedings
2/27/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (98-36)
2/26/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
2/25/2026HouseFloor Amendment {753729/1 (Delegate Griffith) Rejected (35-96)
2/25/2026HouseMotion Special Order until 2/25 (Delegate Griffith) Adopted
2/24/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {953820/1 Adopted
2/24/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
2/23/2026HouseHearing 2/12 at 2:00 p.m.
2/6/2026HouseFirst Reading Government, Labor, and Elections
2/6/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/11/2026
Third Reading
2/25/2026
First Reading
2/6/2026
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