Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Supports the Passage of Two Important Bills Aiding Public Safety

April 12, 2024

Contact: mark.vernarelli@maryland.gov , latoya.gray@maryland.gov

[MARYLAND]: The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services supports the Moore-Miller Administration's signing of two important bills passed by the Legislature that will positively impact Marylanders.

Senate Bill 273 prohibits people from flying drones over correctional facilities in an effort to deliver contraband and prohibits photographing correctional facilities without the permission of the Secretary.

In recent years, drones have been used around the country to deliver contraband to incarcerated individuals. Contraband contributes to violence and threatens the safety of employees and the incarcerated. Photographs of correctional facilities - including from the air - may potentially pose security risks as well.

House Bill 123 and Senate Bill 260 allow those under Parole and Probation supervision to continue accruing Earned Compliance Credits even if they fall behind on supervision fees. Some offenders previously faced losing such credits simply due to financial struggles, even if they were otherwise compliant with the supervision terms.

The Department appreciates the hard work of legislators in considering these and other important measures and thanks Governor Moore for his unwavering support of public safety.

For further inquiries, please contact: mark.vernarelli@maryland.gov , latoya.gray@maryland.gov