HB 853 also know as the Second Look Act Legislation that would create an opportunity for any person who has served at least 20 years in prison in MD to go before a judge and seek a reduced sentence. Currently prisons are over-crowded and understaffed, exacerbating conditions inside. Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent on keeping people in prison for 3, 4, 5 decades, long after they have rehabilitated and pose no danger to public safety. 

When passed Judges would only reduce a sentence if they find the person is no longer a danger to the public. They look at things like the nature of the crime, any victim impact statements, and how the person has changed since their conviction.

This bill doesn’t automaticallv release anvone. It just gives people who were between 18 to 25 at the time of the offense and have served at least 20 ears the chance to go back in front of a judge – someone who can look at their case and decide whether a shorter sentence would better serve the interest of justice. 

The House already passed this bill with strong support and rejected efforts to further water it down. We have to urge senators to do the same! Voting Yes on HB 853 and resisting further exclusionary amendments.