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MarylandSB 01622026 Regular SessionSenate

Criminal Procedure - Motion to Reduce Duration of Sentence - Repeal of Sentencing Date Limitation

Sponsored By: Chris West (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - ProceduresCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.HearingsMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More people can seek shorter sentences

Beginning October 1, 2026, more people in Maryland prisons can ask the court to cut their sentence. You are eligible after at least 20 years in prison if: (1) you were convicted as an adult for a crime you committed as a minor; or (2) you were 18–24 at the time of the crime, were not sentenced to life without parole, are not a sex offender under § 11-701, and were not convicted of murdering a first responder killed in the line of duty. Your sentencing date no longer matters. If you are eligible and file, the court must hold a hearing on your motion.

Hearing rules for sentence reductions

Beginning October 1, 2026, you must attend the sentence-reduction hearing unless you waive that right; video appearance counts as being present. You can present evidence to support your motion, and the State can present evidence for or against it. The victim or a victim representative gets notice and may give a victim impact statement about the crime and the proposed reduction. Victims who speak are not cross‑examined.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 36

House vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 36 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 498

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (99-36)

    4/7/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/6/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/6/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/20/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026Senate

  9. Favorable Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/16/2026Senate

  11. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/14/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/27 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/13/2026Senate

  13. Pre-filed

    10/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Racial Equity Impact Note

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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