Maryland cancels millions in unpaid parole debt as state moves forward on waiving fees

Gov. Wes Moore on Friday announced that the state corrections department is forgiving about $13 million in unpaid parole debts owed by more than 6,700 formerly incarcerated people.

The move coincides with a new law that took effect at the beginning of the month, House Bill 531, which eliminates the $40 to $50 monthly “supervision fees” and associated drug-testing fees paid by people released on parole from Maryland prisons.

Del. Elizabeth Embry, who co-sponsored the bill, cited research showing that the fees are being levied against people who cannot afford to pay them, hindering their ability to find and hold employment after release from prison.

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/parole-fee-debt-forgiveness-4DOLAH2WSJAJTDVA2FH4DE3YV4/

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