he Maryland General Assembly began its special session Monday with a relatively quiet start in the House of Delegates, but with jubilation from criminal justice advocates outside the Senate chambers.
The Senate convened for more than 90 minutes to override more than a dozen bills Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed earlier this year that included legislation eliminating the governor’s ability to block the state Parole Commission from granting parole to inmates serving life sentences.
The Senate voted 31-16 to override Hogan’s vote and allow the 10-member commission to have the final say.
Another part of the bill, which must also receive approval in the House, would allow for the 10-member commission at least six affirmative votes to approve an inmate for parole. The current law allowed for up to three votes.