Md. Code Ann., Correct. Servs. § 7-304
When hearing open to public; attendance by victim or victim's representative
Effective Oct 1, 2023Added by Acts 1999, c. 54, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, c. 35, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2001; Acts 2002, c. 132, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2002; Acts 2023, c. 721, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.State of Maryland
(a) A parole hearing shall be open to the public if:
(1)
- (i) a victim, as defined in § 7-801 of this title, makes a written request to the Department for notification and maintains a current address on file with the Department; or
- (ii) a victim or a victim's representative files a notification request form under § 11-104 of the Criminal Procedure Article; and
- (2) within a reasonable amount of time before a scheduled hearing, the victim makes a written request that the hearing be open to the public.
- (b) The vote of each commissioner when acting collectively or in a panel, to approve or deny parole, and a vote to close or restrict access to a parole hearing under subsection (d) of this section, shall be made available to the public.
- (c) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the victim or victim's representative has the right to attend an open parole hearing.
(d) The Commission or a panel of commissioners may:
- (1) restrict the number of individuals allowed to attend a parole hearing in accordance with physical limitations or security requirements of the facility where the hearing is held;
(2) deny admission or continued attendance at a parole hearing to an individual who:
- (i) threatens or presents a danger to the security of the facility in which the hearing is being held;
- (ii) threatens or presents a danger to other attendees or participants; or
- (iii) disrupts the hearing;
- (3) close a parole hearing to deliberate on the evidence and any other relevant information received at the hearing; or
- (4) close a parole hearing on written request of the chief law enforcement official responsible for an ongoing criminal investigation related to the incarcerated individual, if the ongoing investigation could be compromised.
- (e) This section does not limit the authority of the Commission to hold a parole hearing through the use of a video conference or other means of electronic transmission.
Added by Acts 1999, c. 54, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, c. 35, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2001; Acts 2002, c. 132, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2002; Acts 2023, c. 721, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.
Formerly Art. 41, § 4-507.