ACLU of Maryland and Advocates Urge Senate to Pass the Second Look Act (HB 853)

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The ACLU of Maryland is calling on state legislators to vote in favor of the Maryland Second Look Act (HB 853), a critical bill that creates a pathway for sentence modification for people who were between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of their offense, have served at least 20 years of their sentence, and can demonstrate growth, rehabilitation, and low risk to public safety. The legislation would empower judges to consider how people have grown during their time in prison, their history, any racial bias in sentencing, and many other factors, to decide whether to adjust their sentences appropriately.

“Maryland hands out some of the nation’s most uneven and unjust sentences – especially to Black men and women,” said ACLU of Maryland Policy Director Yanet Amanuel. “Right now, factors like where a case was tried, or the political climate can lead to harsher punishment in Black communities. The Second Look Act can help ensure that true rehabilitation – not politics or zip code – determines a person’s chances for release.”

In Maryland, meaningful opportunities for release are scarce, with extreme state sentences typically reconsidered only by challenging the conviction’s constitutionality or through narrowly limited claims of illegal, unconstitutional, or improper sentencing. This leaves hundreds of Marylanders without recourse – even after decades of personal growth and transformation.

The Maryland House of Delegates passed the Second Look Act on March 17, recognizing the urgent need for reform in a state with some of the nation’s most pronounced sentencing disparities. Maryland leads the nation in in sentencing young Black men to the longest prison terms, with rates 25% higher than Mississippi, the next closest state. According to The Sentencing Project, 76% percent of Marylanders serving life sentences are Black and of people serving life sentences in Maryland who were under 25 at the time of their offense, 82% are Black —the highest rate in the nation. The Second Look Act also acknowledges the growing body of scientific research confirms the human brain continues developing into the mid-to-late 20s, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment.

Despite the evidence for reform – and broad support for the bill from crime victims, faith leaders, attorneys, state’s attorneys from Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, and voters in Maryland – opposition to the bill has focused on details from individual cases rather than the fundamental principles of rehabilitation, justice, and fairness.

“The Second Look Act is not about excusing past harm; it is about recognizing that young people have the capacity to change and that our legal system must reflect the possibility of redemption,” Amanuel added. “We thank our bill sponsor, Delegate Cheryl Pasteur for championing this bill and her commitment to justice and fairness. We also thank the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland for making the Second Look Act a priority for the caucus and fiercely advocating for its passage.”

As the bill moves to the Senate, the ACLU of Maryland urges people to continue to reach out to their Senators and ask them to support the Maryland Second Look Act. For more information, visit mdsecondlook.com or aclu-md.org.