Md. Bill Would Create Council To Examine Corrections System

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland measure would create a council to work on ways to cut spending on corrections and reduce recidivism.

Maryland Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller testified in favor of the bill Thursday to create the Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council.

The council would bring together people from across the state's criminal justice system. It would use a data-driven approach to develop statewide sentencing and corrections policies.

The council would work with the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the Public Safety Performance Project of the Pew Center on the States. Twenty-six states have gone through a similar process to review their corrections systems.

The council would make recommendations to the governor and Legislature by Jan. 1, and they could result in legislation.

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