Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards
MCCS
Summary
The Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards (Correctional Services §8-106), established in 1980, sets and enforces mandatory correctional facility standards across eight disciplines for all state, local, and privately operated correctional facilities. Commission staff conducts binding compliance audits; all standards require 100% compliance. The 12-member commission includes 3 ex officio state officials and 9 Governor-appointed members (Senate-confirmed) including 2 public members without corrections ties, correctional personnel, elected officials, and mental health professionals. Annual reports go to the Governor, General Assembly, and local governing bodies.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 3 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards Act
- Citation
- Md. Code, Correctional Services §§ 8-106 through 8-110
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
State, local, and private correctional facilities and home detention agencies in Maryland