1. (a) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commissioner shall operate a comprehensive rehabilitative prerelease facility for women eligible individuals that:

   1. (1) is a separate structure in which the services specified in § 3-305 of this subtitle are provided;
   2. (2) is architecturally designed and constructed to facilitate the provision of services specified in § 3-305 of this subtitle; and

   3. (3) includes:

      1. (i) features that:

         1. 1. balance physical safety and security with visual privacy and dignity; and
         2. 2. encourage rehabilitation by providing as close to a noncarceral environment as practicable;
      2. (ii) housing units with double and single occupancy;
      3. (iii) handicapped accessible rooms, wheelchair ramps, and designated handicapped parking spaces;
      4. (iv) bathrooms that maximize privacy, dignity, and security of residents, staff, and visitors;
      5. (v) administrative offices;
      6. (vi) indoor and outdoor meeting, lounge, and visiting spaces, including family visiting spaces;
      7. (vii) classrooms;
      8. (viii) a career center;
      9. (ix) a nonemergency medical suite;
      10. (x) on-site recreational, creative, and athletic facilities; and
      11. (xi) access to public transportation.

2. (b) A prerelease facility for women shall be:

   1. (1) located in Baltimore City on a site that is:

      1. (i) not less than 3 acres in land area; and
      2. (ii) not located within one-half mile of any existing correctional facility; and
   2. (2) able to accommodate the administration, housing, programming, and services required under this subtitle for not fewer than 1.25 times the maximum number of women at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women who were eligible for prerelease status in calendar year 2023, as reported by the Department in its October 2024 report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
3. (c) An incarcerated individual assigned to a prerelease facility for women may have access to the community for any purpose described in § 3-307(a) of this subtitle.

4. (d) The Department shall:

   1. (1) identify a location, acquire property, and design a site plan for the prerelease facility for women on or before October 1, 2027, or not later than 6 months thereafter;
   2. (2) begin construction or renovation of the facility on or before July 1, 2028, or not later than 6 months thereafter;
   3. (3) complete the construction or renovation on or before March 1, 2031, or not later than 6 months thereafter; and
   4. (4) begin operating and providing services in the facility on or before September 1, 2031, or not later than 6 months thereafter.

Added as Correctional Services § 3-301 by Acts 1999, c. 54, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2021, c. 16, § 1, eff. March 13, 2021; Acts 2023, c. 721, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023. Renumbered as Correctional Services § 3-302 and amended by Acts 2026, c. 876, § 1, eff. May 31, 2026.