Corrections hearing spotlights rising assaults, contraband risks, transgender housing issues, unpaid MCE bills and delayed women's pre‑release facility

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) faced extended questioning after Department of Legislative Services (DLS) testimony documenting increased assault rates, fiscal items in the corrections budget, concerns about treatment and litigation involving transgender incarcerated people, a fiscal‑compliance audit of Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) receivables, delays in a reentry passport pilot and continued shortfalls in women’s pre‑release programming.

DLS analyst Catherine Barber summarized key metrics and budget items: the fiscal 2026 corrections allowance totals about $1,100,000,000, a $10,000,000 (0.9%) increase from fiscal 2025. The sentenced average daily population (ADP) rose about 4% to 16,085 in fiscal 2024, and DLS reported a substantial increase in assaults: the individual assault rate in fiscal 2024 rose to 9.81 per 100 ADP (a 54% increase from the prior year) and staff‑assaults increased to 5.38 per 100 ADP. DLS reported five homicides in correctional facilities in fiscal 2024, up two from the prior year.

DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs (appearing with senior staff) said the incarcerated population has shifted toward more individuals serving sentences for person‑based crimes and noted a 55% increase in individuals newly sentenced for murder or manslaughter compared with pre‑COVID numbers. Secretary Scruggs and DPSCS staff told the committee contraband is a major driver of violence: they said mail and other…