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MarylandSB 04122026 Regular SessionSenate

Maryland Department of Health - Forensic Review Boards and Community Forensic Aftercare Program

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public HealthApplicants and ApplicationsAttorneysAttorney GeneralCaregiversCognitive DisabilitiesCommittees and CommissionsCourt OrdersDisclosureEmergencies -see also- PandemicsEthicsForensicsHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health Care Facilities -see also- Clinics; Hospices; etcHealth, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)HearingsIncarcerated IndividualsInterstate AffairsLegal AidMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.NoticesParole and ProbationPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPersonal RepresentativesPetitionsRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRehabilitationReview BoardsRules and RegulationsSocial WorkersTimeVirtual EnvironmentsVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Boards at state hospitals review release

Beginning October 1, 2027, each state facility that holds committed persons has a forensic review board. Licensed health providers serve on the board, and decisions need a majority vote. The board reviews every person’s discharge or conditional release at least once a year. It gives at least 10 days’ notice before any meeting about a person. The board keeps a written record with findings and reasons in the medical file. Lawyers may not attend board meetings.

Community monitoring for conditional release cases

Effective June 1, 2026, courts may not order the Program to make clinical treatment decisions. Beginning October 1, 2027, the Department creates the Community Forensic Aftercare Program to monitor people on conditional release. The Program follows court orders and the mental health team’s recommendations and does not make clinical treatment decisions or form a clinician–patient relationship. A monitor meets at least three times in the first six months after release; after that, meetings happen as needed. You may appoint an authorized agent (not your lawyer) to attend Program and Board meetings, except for the final vote. The Community Monitoring Board recommends ending, changing, or extending release and decides on out‑of‑state travel, gives 10 days’ notice, and keeps written records in the medical file. If a violation hearing is set within 10 days, the Program must provide requested records within 5 business days unless the law bars it. The Program must notify the State’s Attorney and share required information, and public defenders can get needed records with a written statement of representation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 36

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 36 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 237

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (99-36)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {793520/1 Adopted

    4/3/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    4/3/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/24/2026House

  10. Referred Health

    3/24/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/23/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Floor Amendment {763920/1 (Senator Lam) Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments {923920/1 Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  16. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. (Finance)

    2/3/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Finance and Judicial Proceedings

    1/29/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/29/2026

    PDF

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