Maryland Correctional Services Section 11-303

      The General Assembly finds that:

            (1)      there is a need for centers for the housing and rehabilitation of individuals who have been convicted of crimes but who, in the judgment of the courts and appropriate correctional personnel, can best be rehabilitated without substantial danger to the community in a local community facility;

            (2)      the centers should be only one component in the overall correctional system and be utilized only for individuals who can best be rehabilitated in them and who will not present a substantial danger to the community;

            (3)      to assure the public that the centers will be safe, the centers should, to the maximum extent practicable, be located and operated by the counties, consistent with statewide standards, and with State financial and technical support; and

            (4)      the State should have the authority to locate, construct, and operate a center only if:

                  (i)      there is a demonstrated need for a center; and

                  (ii)      the county fails to provide for the location of a center after a reasonable time.