Md. Code Ann., Correct. Servs. § 3-706.1
Academic certificates, diplomas, or degrees
Effective Oct 1, 2023Added by Acts 2021, c. 365, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021. Amended by Acts 2023, c. 721, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.State of Maryland
(a) In addition to any other deductions allowed under this subtitle, as an incentive to reduce a term of incarceration, an incarcerated individual may be allowed a deduction from the incarcerated individual's term of confinement if the incarcerated individual successfully obtains:
- (1) an intermediate high academic certificate;
- (2) not more than one certificate of completion of a technical or vocational training program that required at least 600 hours of coursework and is approved by the Secretary of Labor and the Commissioner;
- (3) a State High School Diploma by Examination under § 11-808 of the Labor and Employment Article;
- (4) a high school diploma;
- (5) not more than one associate degree; or
- (6) not more than one bachelor's degree.
(b)
- (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the deduction allowed under subsection (a) of this section shall be 60 days per program completed.
- (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, for an incarcerated individual who is serving a sentence for a crime of violence, as defined in § 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article, the deduction allowed under subsection (a) of this section shall be 40 days per program completed.
- (3) An incarcerated individual who is serving a sentence for murder in the first degree or a sexual offense for which registration under Title 11, Subtitle 7 of the Criminal Procedure Article is required is not entitled to a diminution of the incarcerated individual's term of confinement as provided under this section.
- (4) The deduction allowed under this subsection shall be in addition to any other deduction awarded under this subtitle.
- (c) The Commissioner shall establish a uniform system of deductions and participation criteria allowed under subsection (a) of this section.
Added by Acts 2021, c. 365, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021. Amended by Acts 2023, c. 721, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.