Board of Review
One of the unique functions accorded Patuxent Institution at its inception by the Maryland Legislature, is having its own independent paroling authority. Known as the Institutional Board of Review, this body also annually reviews offenders' progress in the EP and Patuxent Youth Programs, and may grant, deny, or revoke conditional release status to offenders in these programs. It may find offenders ineligible for a treatment program, or may recommend that the sentencing court release an offender from the remainder of a sentence.
In 1982, as a response to changing needs within corrections, the legislature modified a number of aspects of the Board of Review's authority. Specifically related to paroling offenders serving a Life sentence, these modifications allowed the Board of Review to:
• Approve parole for an offender serving a Life sentence if the offender's crime was committed prior to July 1, 1982.
• Recommend parole for an offender serving a Life sentence, but must have the Governor's approval if the offender's crime was committed after July 1, 1982, and on or before March 20, 1989.
• Recommend parole for an offender serving a Life sentence, but must have the approval of both the Governor and the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services if the offender's crime was committed after March 20, 1989.
• Offenders serving a Life sentence may be considered for parole after completion of 15 years of the court-imposed sentence. Additional requirements for an individual with a Life sentence to be considered for parole include successful completion of two years of Work Release, a favorable clinical review conference, a recommendation from the RMT, and the support of the Institutional Board of Review for referral to the Governor.
• Inmates serving a Split Life sentence may be eligible for parole consideration upon completion of 50% of the term imposed by the court. As with individuals serving Life sentences, completion of two years of Work Release, a favorable clinical review conference, a recommendation from the RMT, and the support of the Institutional Board of Review for referral to the Governor.
• The Board of Review can also approve parole for offenders serving a non-Life sentence. If the offender's crime was committed on or before March 20, 1989, the Board of Review can act autonomously. If the crime was committed on or after March 20, 1989, the Board of Review can recommend parole but must have the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Subsequent to a revision of and amendment to the law in March 1989, approval by seven of the nine Board of Review members is also required for an offender to be granted any type of conditional release status including day leaves, work/school release, and parole.
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