(a) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commissioner shall operate a comprehensive rehabilitative prerelease unit for women that:
(1) is a separate structure in which the services specified in § 3–303(b) of this subtitle are provided;
(2) has security features for female inmates who:
(i) present the least risk of violence;
(ii) present the least risk of escape; and
(iii) have a record of satisfactory institutional behavior; and
(3) matches security level on a validated gender–responsive risk measure.
(b) (1) In determining where to place a prerelease unit for women, the Commissioner shall determine into which area, defined by zip codes, the largest percentage of inmates will likely be released.
(2) A prerelease unit for women shall be located in or adjacent to the zip codes identified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c) An inmate assigned to a prerelease unit for women may have access to the community for any purpose described in § 3–305(a) of this subtitle.
(d) The Department shall:
(1) identify a location, acquire property, and design a site plan for the prerelease unit for women on or before June 1, 2021;
(2) begin construction or renovation of the facility on or before September 1, 2021; and
(3) begin operating and providing services in the facility on or before June 1, 2023.
Structure Maryland Statutes