Support the Maryland Second Look Act

SUPPORT THE MARYLAND SECOND LOOK ACT
Legislators must pass the Second Look Act (SB291/HB853).
Saying YES to the Maryland Second Look Act is the clear and logical choice. The Second
Look Act would allow courts to take a second look at excessive sentences, decades after
the crime, to reevaluate and assess the growth and rehabilitation of incarcerated people
and potentially grant them a second chance at freedom.
We have seen documented cases of the police racially profiling Black people. There is
clear evidence of racial discrimination in arresting and sentencing in Maryland. Not
only are there cases, but statistics show extreme racial disparities. 71 percent of the
Maryland prison population is Black – more than twice the national average. For people
who have been incarcerated at least 20 years, the disparity is even greater, with 77% of
the population being Black.
The Maryland Second Look Act would give Marylanders in prison opportunities to truly
rehabilitate, express remorse, transform for the better, find ways to give back to the
community, and not give up due to lack of meaningful avenues for release. After the
devastating impact of mass incarceration, families could finally be reunited, and their
communities would be strengthened. This evidence-based initiative recognizes the
transformative potential of focusing on rehabilitation and the urgency of addressing
racial justice in our criminal legal system. According to the 2022 National Survey of
Victims’ Views, victims prefer by 2 to 1 that the criminal legal system focus more on
rehabilitating people who commit crimes rather than punishing them.
Together, let’s create more meaningful avenues for rehabilitation by urging
your legislators to vote “Yes” on SB 291/ HB 853 to pass the Second Look Act.

Visit www.mdsecondlook.com to learn more.