Maryland lawmakers pass comprehensive energy, criminal justice reforms

Maryland's General Assembly recently passed a series of significant bills aimed at reforming both its criminal justice and energy systems. Among the criminal justice reforms, the Geriatric and Medical Parole Reform bill allows older or sick inmates to apply for early release, while the Second Look Act enables courts to review lengthy sentences for those convicted as young adults. In parallel, lawmakers concluded their legislative session by passing an energy reform package that includes the elimination of a subsidy for waste-to-energy facilities and a quicker permitting process for community solar projects, responding to rising electricity costs. Democrats emphasized the need for these measures to provide immediate relief to constituents facing increasing utility bills. The legislation also introduces incentives for new nuclear generation and aims to attract a new gas-fired power plant to the state. Together, these reforms reflect a broader commitment to addressing social justice and energy challenges in Maryland.