Maryland cancels debt for parole release, drug testing fees

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s corrections department will cancel the debt for mandatory, parole and administrative release fees, as well as drug testing fees, for people who are currently under the supervision of the agency’s parole and probation division, Gov. Wes Moore said Friday.

The action will relieve administrative debt for 6,715 cases, totaling more than $13 million, the governor’s office said.

“Marylanders who serve their time deserve a second chance without bearing the financial burden of recurring administrative fees,” Moore, a Democrat, said. “Leave no one behind is not just a talking point for us, it’s a governing philosophy. This action will create paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders; grow our economy; and build a state that is more equitable and just.”

The Division of Parole and Probation in the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services collects supervision fees from people who are under mandatory release, parole, administrative release or under probation supervision when ordered by the court.

The supervision fee is now $50 a month for people who were placed on supervision on or after June 1, 2011, and $40 per month for people who were placed on supervision before June 1, 2011.

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